Asssistant Professor of Government (EXPIRED)

The Department of Government (GOV) at Smith College invites applications for two tenure-track positions: one in Political Theory and another in Comparative Politics and/or International Relations. Both positions are at the rank of Assistant Professor and will begin July 1, 2023.

By time of appointment each applicant must have a Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related discipline (e.g. philosophy; public policy). Each position has a teaching load of 2:2—i.e., four semester-long courses over the academic year. The hires will also be expected to contribute to student learning beyond regular classes through directing student research and Honors Theses, offering independent studies, and helping with departmental administrative, curricular, and advising responsibilities.

Candidates for the Political Theory position should specialize in modern political thought of the 18th, 19th, and/or 20th centuries. Our ideal candidate will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: feminist political thought; political theories of gender and sexuality; continental political thought; and/or critical theory. We anticipate that a successful candidate for this position will regularly teach Introduction to Political Thinking (an introductory course in the history of political thought which serves as a gateway to the Government major), courses in Modern Political Thought, and upper-division courses relating to their areas of expertise (e.g., Feminist Political Thought; Queer Theory; Critical Theory; Marxism).

Candidates for the Comparative Politics/International Relations position should have regional expertise in the politics of South and/or Southeast Asia. We encourage applications for this position from scholars using a range of methodological approaches and focusing on a variety of topics, including but not limited to: the politics of religion and ethnicity; political violence; political parties and elections; regional security; geopolitical rivalries; and regional conflict and cooperation. We anticipate that a successful candidate for this position will be prepared to teach Introduction to Comparative Politics and/or Introduction to International Relations, courses on the politics of South or Southeast Asia or particular countries within those regions, and upper-division courses relating to their area(s) of expertise.

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 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, Hampshire, and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, 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/.