Company Description
Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU…
right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.
FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.
FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation, and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.
Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.
Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.
Job Description
The Department of Political Science, Law, and Global Studies at Framingham State University invites applications for a tenure-track position in political science specializing in Public Law, beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.
We are seeking candidates deeply committed to teaching in a liberal arts environment. Full-time faculty members at Framingham State teach three 4-credit courses per semester.
Duties include undergraduate teaching, research and scholarship, prelaw advising, and service to the department and Framingham State University. The successful candidate will teach introductory and advanced courses in United States government, constitutional and public law, and judicial politics to undergraduate political science and prelaw students. The successful candidate is also expected to teach the moot court class, offered each fall semester, which involves coaching students to participate in the American Moot Court Association's annual undergraduate competition. Interest in teaching courses on racial and gender diversity in United States politics and law, and/or the intersection of law and technology, is a plus. The successful candidate will serve as the department's primary prelaw advisor and contribute to internship development in collaboration with department faculty and university career services. The successful candidate must also demonstrate an active interest in mentoring and inspiring students who are traditionally underrepresented in the field of law and legal careers.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- J.D. or a Ph.D. in Political Science in a law-related field. Candidates with either a J.D. or Ph.D. will be considered equally; evaluations will focus on the applicant's record of teaching, advising, scholarship, and professional experience as relevant to the position.
- ABD will also be considered (PhD must be completed by August 31, 2026).
- A strong record of teaching in the field of public law is required.
- The department seeks candidates committed to inclusive excellence and to supporting a diverse student body through teaching, mentoring, advising, and service.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A strong record of prelaw advising and evidence of successful student placement in law school and internships in the legal field.
- The successful candidate may also have a history of supporting undergraduate civic engagement opportunities or demonstrate a strong desire to do so.
- The department values both traditional academic scholarship and applied legal research, including experience involving litigation, appellate advocacy, legal writing, and the preparation of court filings.
Additional Information
This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Massachusetts State College Association (MSCA) bargaining unit at a faculty rank commensurate with experience and credentials. Salary commensurate with experience in accordance with Appendix O of the MSCA contract (http://mscaunion.org/cbas). A reasonable starting salary range to expect for a new faculty member appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor is $80,000-95,000.
Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.
Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions
Candidates must apply online by submitting:
- Cover Letter addressing teaching philosophy and any areas of specialization/expertise,
- CV/Resume,
- Equity and Inclusion Statement*, and
- Names and contact information for three professional references (references are not automatically contacted at the time of application).
*Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss past efforts, future plans, research, scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the University's efforts to promote an equitable and inclusive learning and working community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.
Official transcripts must be submitted upon appointment.
For best consideration, please submit application materials by October 15, 2026. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.
Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.
Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.