Instructor in Research Methods and Comparative Politics

Job Description

The Department of Political Science at Virginia Tech invites applications for a two-year, full time, renewable Instructor position in the areas of research methods and comparative politics. 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 support the majors and minors offered by the Department of Political Science. We are seeking faculty specifically interested in undergraduate teaching and curriculum initiatives revolving around empirical political science methods, in addition to areas such as comparative politics, and/or Latin American politics, global development, international conflict management or related areas of study within these specialties. Applicants with empirically based approaches are especially encouraged to apply, as are those who would benefit from working in an intellectually diverse environment and are committed to excellence in the classroom. Successful applicants will engage in teaching and consultation with students to foster proficiency in political science research methods and comparative politics, as well as in meetings with departmental leadership to enhance and improve curriculum development.

For further information on our academic programs, see https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-political-science.html.

The Department of Political Science seeks broadly trained applicants with an expertise in empirical methodology.

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

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