"Assistant Professor of Political Science (American Politics), Fall 2026"

The Department of Political Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a tenure-track position as an assistant professor beginning on August 1, 2026, in American Politics. We are looking for applicants who will teach courses and conduct research primarily in the field of American political institutions. The successful candidate will teach courses on topics such as Congress, the U.S. presidency, the bureaucracy, and state and local politics. Successful candidates must have strong research skills and a theoretically oriented research agenda that will lead to publication in peer-reviewed outlets, including journals and books. Preference will be given to applicants whose research and teaching interests align with existing departmental strengths, who attract extramural funding, and show evidence of or potential for teaching excellence. The position is a 9-month, tenure-track position, with a competitive salary that is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

More information about the Department of Political Science is available at: polisci.utk.edu.

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.

All the requirements for a Ph.D. in political science, public policy, or related discipline must be finished at the time of appointment.

Applicants should apply with a cover letter, a current CV, a sample of scholarly writing, a research statement, and a teaching statement. All applicants should request letters from three references to be directly uploaded to Interfolio. Please submit application materials in digital format via Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/171457. Review of applications begins September 26, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. For questions or inquiries, contact Professor Tony Nownes at anownes@utk.edu.