Overview

The Department of Political Science at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science with a teaching load of 3 courses per semester. Successful candidates will either hold a PhD (or be working towards a PhD) in Political Science or a related field. The successful applicant will teach introductory and/or advanced courses in comparative politics. An ability to teach courses in American politics is a plus. This is a one-year term appointment in-person at USU’s main campus in Logan. The successful applicant may expect an annual salary of $55,000 plus excellent benefits as well as funds to present at a professional conference. The anticipated start date of the position is August 2025.

Review of applications begins on March 12, 2025, and continues until the position is filled. 

Responsibilities

Teach 3 courses per semester to meet the department’s needs in comparative and/or American politics 
Please consult the USU catalog for more course information

Qualifications

Minumum Qualifications:

PhD or ABD in Political Science or related field 
Evidence of effective teaching

Preferred Qualifications:

  Specialization in Comparative or American Politics

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:  

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"

Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile. (References will be contacted after initial screening of applicants)

Evidence of effective teaching to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10"

A cover letter that speaks to your effectiveness as a teacher and your specializations in political science. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Additional materials may be requested of candidates who advance to the next level.

Please direct questions to Dr. Anna Pechenkina, Search Committee Chair, at anna.pechenkina@usu.edu (Do not send application materials to this email address.)

Advertised Salary

$55,000; Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

College/Department Highlights

Faculty for this position will be located at the main campus in Logan. For more information on the Political Science department, see our websites: https://chass.usu.edu/political-science/.

All faculty are part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which plays an instrumental role in teaching critical thinking, knowledge-building skills, and the ability to pose meaningful questions that advance understanding and knowledge. Students in our college confront the great questions and controversies, learn about the forces that have shaped our world, and develop the skills to tackle its most pressing challenges. Our graduates are creative problem-solvers with a passion for making a difference. The education they receive here prepares them to address the problems of today and to succeed wherever their career path takes them tomorrow.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.

*updated 07/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

matthew.pinner@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1400 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

cody.carmichael@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1400 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025

Temporary Assistant Professor

Utah State University