"Tenure-Track, Political Science (Open Rank)"

Job Details

Posting Number: F000456

Position Title: Tenure-Track, Political Science (Open Rank)

Department: Political Science

Division: Academic Affairs

Faculty Status: Full-time Tenure-Track Faculty

Supervisor Title: Chair, Department of Political Science

Status: Full-time Tenure-Track Faculty

Tenture Track: Yes

Position Summary: The Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences at North Central College seeks candidates for a tenure-track position in political science with emphasis in American political behavior. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is dedicated to innovative undergraduate education, creative pedagogy, and inclusive teaching practices that foster critical inquiry both inside and outside the classroom. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to preparing students to think critically and responsibly about American democracy. The appointment is anticipated at the rank of Assistant Professor, though a higher rank may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates. A Ph.D. in Political Science is required by August 1, 2026. In addition to teaching courses in American politics, the successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to departmental offerings in law, policy, and methodology courses, as well as to develop courses in their areas of expertise. The position also offers the chance to participate in North Central College’s tradition of interdisciplinary teaching and learning.

The duties in this role include:

• Provide instruction for a variety of American politics courses, carrying a teaching load of 20 credits per academic year.
• Assess students’ work and provide detailed feedback on how to improve their content knowledge, critical thinking skills, oral and written communication skills, etc.
• Mentor undergraduate students through one-on-one and group interactions and independent study opportunities.
• Engage students in research as applicable.
• Attend conferences and workshops as necessary to remain active in the field(s) of study; engage with the Political Science Department to further develop teaching and mentoring skills; complete campus-wide training required by the Offices of Academic Affairs and Human Resources.
• Pursue current and new research activities in the field(s) of study, including new research projects, writing/dissemination of current and future research, and presentation of research at conferences.
• Perform other departmental duties and attend activities as necessary, including attending department meetings, and participating in committees, task forces, and others as required.

Basic Qualifications:

• The successful candidate will have completed a Ph.D. in political science by August 1, 2026

Salary Range:

• Assistant Professor: $62,000 – $67,000
• Associate Professor: $72,000 – $78,000
• Professor: $83,000 – $88,000

About NCC: Founded in 1861, North Central College is a selective, comprehensive liberal arts institution of about 3000 students, located 28 miles west of Chicago in Naperville. The College is in a period of growth with the addition of a $60 million Science Center (2017), and a new Health Sciences and Engineering building (2020). The college is within walking distance of the Naperville Metra station and is next to downtown Naperville. The Naperville area is home to many excellent school districts and Naperville, IL has been ranked as one of the best places to live by Money magazine. North Central College values diversity, equity and inclusion and strongly encourages candidates who would enrich the diversity of the campus community to apply.

Application Window: Open date: September 1, 2025 Initial review date: September 30, 2025 Apply by initial review date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Review of applications will begin on September 30th and continue until the position is filled.

For more information, please visit: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/academic-affairs/prospective-and-incoming-faculty

Interested candidates should complete and submit an application with all required documentation online at: https://northcentralcollege.peopleadmin.com/postings/15006

For further information, contact William Muck, Chair, Department of Political Science, at wjmuck@noctrl.edu.

Employment Conditions: An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of the College’s background screening process.

Number of Vacancies: 1

EEO Statement: North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce. North Central College provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation, please notify the Office of Human Resource. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Open Until Filled: Yes

Additional Information: The budgeted salary range for this position is as follows: Assistant: $62,000 – $67,000 Associate: $72,000 – $78,000 Professor: $83,000 – $88,000 The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications, including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.