"SAPSS Assistant Professor - (Law & Politics with Computational Methods)"

Description

The School of Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology (SAPSS) invites scholars with potential for excellence in research and teaching to apply for consideration as an Assistant Professor in Political Science or Sociology. This is a tenure-tracked nine-month appointment with an anticipated start date of August 11, 2026. The position reports to the Director of SAPSS.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Examples of Duties

The selected candidate will participate in undergraduate and graduate teaching, engage in scholarly research and provide service to the School/University appropriate to the rank of assistant professor. Normal teaching load is 2 courses per semester.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor requires a Ph.D. in Political Science, Sociology, or a closely related field. The selected candidate must also demonstrate commitment to research and teaching in computational methods in support of our pre-law program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates who have a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications using computational methods such as AI, machine learning, textual analysis, network analysis, and large language models. Candidates who are prepared to teach methods at the undergraduate and graduate level. Candidates whose substantive focus is on law and politics, law and society, or criminology.

Required Documents:

Submit a letter of application, CV, teaching statement, research statement, and three references.

Contact:

Tobin Grant, grant@siu.edu

Supplemental Information

School of Anthropology, Political Science and Sociology candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas in their cover letter. New faculty in the College of Liberal Arts are offered competitive startup packages, often including graduate teaching or research assistant support and summer salary, designed to jumpstart research scholarship. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an R1 Opportunity University with a statewide economic impact of $2.7 billion dollars. We offer 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties.

The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits, employee tuition waivers, and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/.

SIU Carbondale is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status.