Professor of Political Science

University of Chicago

Institution: University of Chicago – Division of the Social Sciences
Program: Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) https://mapss.uchicago.edu
Location: Chicago, IL
Appointment: Full-time, career-track, renewable
Start Date: Academic Year 2026–27
Rank: Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor
Application Review Start: March 2, 2026
Union: Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Benefits: Full range of health, retirement, and paid time off (benefits-eligible)

Position Overview

The University of Chicago invites applications for an Instructional Professor (IP) in Political Science. MAPSS IPs are career-track teaching and mentoring faculty responsible for:

• Teaching up to 4 graduate-level courses per year (IP teaching load in MAPSS)
• Mentoring students on original research projects, capstones, and theses
• Advising students and alumni applying to PhD programs
• Participating in admissions, recruiting, and co-curricular programming
• Managing teaching assistants and contributing to program operations and decision-making committees
• Engaging in professional development through conferences, workshops, and mentoring

Program Context

MAPSS is a one-year interdisciplinary MA program providing students with a foundation in social science research across:

• Anthropology
• History
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Interdisciplinary research

Students conduct research projects under faculty supervision and may pursue doctoral studies or professional careers afterward.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Political Science or related discipline prior to start date
• Prior teaching experience in the social sciences

Preferred:

• Experience mentoring students on original research projects
• Specializations in quantitative methods, qualitative methods, and identity are of particular interest

Application Instructions

Apply online via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/177115

Required Materials:

1. Cover letter (training, research, teaching, mentoring, suggested courses)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Doctoral transcript (unofficial acceptable)
4. Article-length writing sample
5. At least one course syllabus designed by the candidate
6. Course evaluations or other teaching/mentoring evidence
7. Teaching statement
8. Three letters of recommendation

Review: Begins March 2, 2026, and continues until filled

Support: Position offers resources for professional development and participation in the University’s intellectual life