Visiting Assistant Professor of Government (Political Theory)

The Department of Government (GOV) at Smith College invites applications for a position in Political Theory at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor. The position is full-time and non-tenure-track, for a term of one year to begin July 1, 2025. By the time of appointment, applicants must have a PhD in Political Science with a core specialization in Political Theory, or a PhD in a closely related field (e.g., political philosophy). Those from outside of Political Science must have demonstrated knowledge of and ability to teach within a Political Theory curriculum.

This position has a teaching load of five semester-long courses over the academic year—but will entail only four course preps: 2 sections of Introduction to Political Thinking (an introductory course in the history of political thought which serves as a gateway to the Government major) and 3 upper division courses in the candidate’s areas of expertise. This is a teaching-focused position, and the successful candidate will not be responsible for advising or service.

We invite applications from all areas of political theory, but would be especially interested in candidates able to offer courses in either American Political Thought or Comparative Political Theory/Non-Western Political Thought. Candidates from groups underrepresented in political science are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates should be prepared to engage actively with diverse students across the liberal arts.

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest historically women’s college in the country, dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. Smith College offers opportunities to foster faculty success at every career stage, such as those listed here.

The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mt. Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Details about the Department of Government may be found at https://www.smith.edu/gov/.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.