Assistant/Associate Professor of Political Science

Job Details

Job Location: Main Campus - Las Vegas NM - Las Vegas, NM 87701

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: PHD

Salary Range: $58,349.50 - $63,123.55 Salary

Travel Percentage: None

Job Category: Faculty

Description

Applications are invited for a tenure-track appointment as an Assistant/Associate Professor in Political Science, beginning August 2026.

New Mexico Highlands University is an open-admissions university with over 70% of students being Hispanic, Native American, or African American, and nearly 40% studying at the master’s level. The university is committed to student success and improved retention and graduation rates. NMHU serves approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students at the main campus in Las Vegas, NM (one hour east of Santa Fe) and another 1,300 students at centers in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Española, Farmington, and Raton. The university enrolls students from some 42 states, 19 tribes, and 35 foreign countries. For more information about the university, visit the website at www.nmhu.edu

The Department of History & Political Science offers a B.A. in Political Science. It also has M.A. graduate programs: Public Affairs, Concentration in Political & Governmental Processes, and Southwest Studies, Concentration in History & Political Science.

JOB DUTIES:

The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching program curriculum in the area of Political Science, with a focus on U.S. politics. Courses to be taught include U.S. Government, State and Local Government, Political Parties and Behavior, and The U.S. Constitution, plus topical courses on current political events. Depending on department needs, courses will be taught in person or online (via Zoom or asynchronously). Other duties include: advising students, directing Comprehensive Exams, Professional Papers, and Theses; service on university committees; and full participation in departmental activities.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• ABDs will be considered if the graduation date is before the start of the appointment.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in research and publication.
• Commitment to high-quality undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Ability to contribute to departmental service and university initiatives.
• Interest in engaging with diverse student populations and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to teach core courses in U.S. politics and contribute to the department’s curriculum in research methods and/or public policy.
• A research agenda that complements existing departmental strengths.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS: Open until filled.

MINIMUM SALARY: $58,349.50 (Assistant Professor)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: A complete application must include:

1. A cover letter and current CV.
2. University employment application
3. A letter detailing candidate’s teaching philosophy
4. A letter describing candidate’s research agenda
5. Official copies of advanced degree transcripts
6. Three letters of recommendation
7. Official teaching evaluations for the previous academic year, if available.

References will be contacted in conjunction with on campus interview.

For more detailed information regarding the position, you may contact Dr. Bilgesu Sümer by emailing bilgesu@nmhu.edu.

For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or TDD 505-454-3003.

NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY IS AN EEO EMPLOYER