Instructor in National Security and Foreign Affairs

Job Description

The Department of Political Science at Virginia Tech invites applications for a two-year, full time, renewable Instructor position in the area of national security. The teaching requirement for this position will be eight courses per year (4/4), with the appointment beginning on August 10, 2026.

The position will primarily support the National Security and Foreign Affairs major and the National Security Studies concentration, both located in the Department of Political Science. We are seeking faculty specifically interested in teaching and curriculum initiatives revolving around areas such as national security, strategic studies, terrorism, human security, intelligence studies, international diplomacy, global governance, or related areas of study within these specialties. The faculty may also be asked to develop experiential learning opportunities for students in cooperation with the Director of the Diplomacy Lab. As our institution is one of a handful of senior military colleges in the United States and home to the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, the Department of Political Science has traditionally had high teaching demand in areas related to national security, such as national security strategy, global conflict and war, modern warfare, global terrorism and counterterrorism, and political violence. The position may also include consultation with departmental leadership to enhance and improve curriculum development.

For further information on our National Security programs, see https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-political-science/academic-programs/national-security-and-foreign-affairs-major.html; https://catalog.vt.edu/undergraduate/liberal-arts-human-sciences/political-science/political-science-ba-national-security-studies/; and https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-political-science/academic-programs/national-security-and-foreign-affairs-minor.html.

The Department of Political Science seeks broadly trained applicants, technically proficient in security studies.

Required Qualifications

• M.A./M.S. degree in Government, Political Science, or related field by the time of appointment.
• Candidates must have adequate evidence of teaching effectiveness to meet the Department's key teaching needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Government, Political Science, or related field by the time of appointment.
• Prior experience with and/or substantive training in the above noted areas.

How to Apply

Screening of applications will begin April 27, 2026. Please submit:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Cover letter (no longer than two pages)
3. A recent writing sample
4. Teaching Evaluations
5. List of 3 references with email contact information

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

The starting salary for this position is $50,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Review Date

April 27, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.