"Visiting Assistant Professor of Politics (American)"

The Politics Department at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time, non-continuing faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences specializing in American political institutions. Appointment to this position will be for a term of one year, beginning fall 2026, and will carry the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor.

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, selective liberal arts college near Cleveland, Ohio and is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. Oberlin College was the first college in the US to make interracial education and co-education central to its mission. The College continues to view a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational environment as valuable to the excellence of its academic program. Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD programs.

Oberlin is situated on the outskirts of Cleveland, combining a cozy small-town atmosphere with the cultural amenities of a major city. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cinematheque, Karamu House, several educational institutions, and scores of restaurants, bars, music venues, and theaters add to the cultural and educational opportunities of the region.

The Politics Department currently consists of thirteen full-time faculty who focus their research and teaching in the areas of American politics, comparative politics, international politics, and political theory. The department graduates about 60 majors each year. More information about the department is available at https://www.oberlin.edu/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics.

The incumbent will teach a total of five courses in the general area of American political institutions, ranging across the introductory, intermediate, and advanced level.

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the Ph.D. degree (in hand or ABD). Candidates must demonstrate interest and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Successful teaching experience at the college level is desirable. Oberlin College values diversity, equity and inclusion. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin is interested in candidates who can contribute to the excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service. Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran’s status, and/or other protected status as required by applicable law.

To Apply: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/17077

A complete application will be comprised of 1) a cover letter describing your teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service, detailing any connections to supporting an inclusive learning environment; 2) a Curriculum Vitae; 3) an unofficial graduate transcript; 4) a statement (or statements) on your teaching philosophy and expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion; 5) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.^*

^*By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers.

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory’s online application process at: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/

Review of applications will begin on January 23, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the January 23rd deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.

Questions about the position can be addressed to David Forrest, Associate Professor and Chair of the Politics Department, dforrest@oberlin.edu.