Assistant Professor, Political Science

Athabasca University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is recruiting to the position of Assistant Professor, Political Science.

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a diverse range of courses and programs in education, distance education, humanities, interdisciplinary studies, and social sciences.

In the words of the Dean of the Faculty, "Our undergraduate and graduate offerings are designed to equip our learners with critical thinking skills, information literacy, theoretical knowledge, and other essential competencies to navigate our rapidly changing world and deepen their understanding of both current and historical issues.

We are committed to fostering an environment of respect, collegiality, openness, and cultural awareness, while embracing the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Our faculty includes accomplished scholars and instructors with expertise in innovative research and teaching, supported by a dedicated team of staff.

We take great pride in being a student-centered faculty, focused on ensuring that our learners' academic journeys are rich, meaningful, and memorable."

The Position:

The Faculty invites applications for a tenure-track position in Political Science at the rank of Assistant Professor, commencing July 1, 2025. This is a full-time position located in Alberta. Athabasca University is a fully accredited and comprehensive academic and research post-secondary institution with a commitment to facilitating open access to education.

The Political Science Program is housed within the largest Faculty, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, in Athabasca University's Centre for Social Sciences.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and teach new courses, based on their research expertise and as determined by the needs of the program. The candidate will also teach, coordinate, and revise existing courses in the program. Evidence of teaching excellence is required, and experience in supervising graduate students will be considered an asset. When opportunities arise, the successful candidate will be required to teach in the graduate program(s). Commitment to exploring and advancing the use of contemporary digital technologies in online teaching and learning is preferred. All faculty members are expected to participate in administrative committees, including those pertaining to centre, faculty, or university-wide endeavours. Additionally, members are expected to participate in service to the greater external community. 

The full job profile can be viewed at: Academic Role Description

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Political Science, Political Studies, Politics, or a related discipline and will complement our current Political Science and other supporting faculty's expertise in Canadian and American politics, political theory and political economy, and public management and law, including Indigenous and gender and equity studies. They will have a robust research portfolio and a successful record of securing Tri-agency or similar funds. Applications are encouraged from those whose scholarship critically addresses Political Behaviour, Environmental Politics, Digital Politics, International Relations and/or Citizenship and Immigration. We are seeking a candidate with an active research program and publication record in one or more of the above-mentioned areas. The successful candidate for this position should display engagement with the impact of colonization and be aware of how to honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, UNDRIP, OCAP, and CARE principles in all relevant political science courses and university dealings. Experience in distance learning and familiarity with digital educational technologies would also be preferred assets.

Applicants are asked to submit an application package through the application portal consisting of:

• A letter of application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Evidence of research effectiveness including
  • A research statement
  • A published article
  • One or more research outputs (formal or informal knowledge dissemination that you want to highlight based on the CV)
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness, ideally a teaching dossier including
  • A teaching philosophy statement
  • Teaching or course evaluations if available
  • A sample syllabus
  • Artifact of teaching initiatives (e.g., websites, videos, podcasts)
• Names and contact information of three referees

Contact information:

For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr Meaghan Peuramaki-Brown, Chair, Centre for Social Sciences by email at [email protected] or phone at 1-844-830-1630.

Athabasca First

Wherever possible, AU seeks to attract and hire qualified team members to reside in the Athabasca region. We will offer relocation assistance for the right candidate should you decide to relocate to the Town of Athabasca. As a resident of the town or county of Athabasca, you can choose to work on and from our beautiful campus in Athabasca.

To discover the Town and Region of Athabasca, go to: Visit Athabasca.

What AU Offers: 

Benefits and Pension eligibility differs based on employee group and may include:

• Defined Benefits Pension Plan
• Alberta Health Care
• Extended Health Care
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Vacation
• Office Closure between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Discretionary Benefit Fund
• AU Course Allowance
• A Variety of Leaves (e.g., Maternity/Parental/Adoption, Compassionate Care, etc.)
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Educational credentials will be verified before an offer of employment is extended. An offer of employment is conditional upon verification of educational credentials. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. 

Athabasca University encourages applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, persons of any gender identity and expression, and members of visible minorities. 

Where applicants have equal skills, abilities, and experience, candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the County of Athabasca will be given preference.

Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca University. You are legally not permitted to work for Athabasca University if you are living outside of Canada.