"Assistant Professor - Institute of American Civics (Starting Fall 2026 - 2 Positions available)"

The Institute of American Civics, located within the Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor in American Civics to begin August 1, 2026.

The Institute of American Civics was created to enhance education in politics, economics, philosophy, American history, and American government as well as increase understanding of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship; fundamental democratic principles; and the ways in which those principles are expressed in and through our federal, state, and local institutions. In pursuit of this mission, the Institute invites applications from scholars with teaching and research profiles in American constitutional law/constitutional history/public law, American political thought, and ancient to early modern political philosophy. Additional interests in American political institutions and/or history of economic thought are desirable. Willingness to engage in student programming and public outreach is also required.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.

Successful candidates will be expected to teach classes and carry out a program of research and scholarship. They will also be expected to be actively engaged in the Institute’s activities.

A Ph.D., J.D., or other terminal degree in political science, history, economics, law, or a related discipline is required by August 1, 2026.

Candidates should have a demonstrated potential for publishing in appropriate venues, including (for candidates in a Ph.D. field) a strong Ph.D. dissertation which has been published in some form or for which the candidate has a viable strategy for publication, and exceptional teaching. Advanced candidates for Assistant Professor should have a record of actual publications and should show development of a scholarly trajectory that goes beyond the dissertation.

Applicants should send a cover letter explaining their research, teaching experience, record of service (if any), and commitment to the Institute’s mission. They should also send a current CV, a research statement, a sample of scholarly writing, and recent student teaching evaluations (if available). All applicants should provide names and contact information for references.

Screening of applicants will begin on September 1, 2025 and will continue until positions are filled.

Required documents:

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Three References
• Research Statement
• Sample of scholarly writing
• Student Evaluations if available

Inquiries: Questions may be directed to Andrew Busch, chair of the search committee.