Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science

Position Title:

Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science

Position Type:

Full time

Location:

Bucknell University

Categories:

Faculty Exempt

Job Summary:

Job Duties:

Bucknell University’s Department of Political Science invites applications for two one-year Visiting Assistant Professor positions, one in International Relations and the other in Comparative Politics (specialization open) beginning in the fall semester of 2026. The successful candidate will be prepared to teach sections of a core course in International Relations and/or Comparative Politics and sections of qualitative methods. The teaching load is three courses per semester.

We are especially interested in candidates whose teaching and research will contribute to the department’s commitment to both diversity and academic excellence. We welcome candidates who demonstrate excellence in reflective multicultural and inclusive teaching practices and who display a strong commitment to collaboration and interdisciplinarity. Evidence of teaching experience, potential for teaching excellence, and the promise of being a productive scholar are critically important. By the start date of the position, candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. or be ABD in political science with primary subfield specializations in Comparative Politics and/or International Relations.

For additional information and to apply, please go to careers.bucknell.edu. The application should include a cover letter, CV, statement of teaching philosophy, graduate transcripts, a sample of scholarship, course evaluations if available, and sample syllabi in Qualitative Methods and International Relations and/or Comparative Politics. Questions about the position should be addressed by email to Professor Doug Hecock at douglas.hecock@bucknell.edu.

Applications will only be accepted online at careers.bucknell.edu. Applications received by March 30th, 2026 will receive full consideration.

About Bucknell University

Bucknell University is a private, highly ranked, primarily undergraduate, national liberal arts institution that also offers strong professional programs in engineering, management, education, and music.

Bucknell University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The university believes that students learn best in a diverse, inclusive community and is therefore committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. Applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education are encouraged.

Bucknell is committed to creating a climate that fosters inclusion, growth, and development for a diverse student body, and seeks candidates who are also committed these goals. Bucknell is committed to supporting the teacher-scholar model of faculty development.

With a student-faculty ratio of about 9:1, small class sizes are a hallmark of the Bucknell educational experience. The university sponsors a range of activities to support the development of its faculty, including a Teaching-Learning Center and generous research support and leave policies.

Bucknell is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Susquehanna River.

The Lewisburg area offers a combination of outdoor recreation opportunities and small-town amenities. In addition to the cultural and athletic events offered at the University and in town, the region offers strong schools and medical facilities, and an affordable cost of living. Bucknell is about three hours from Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship in accordance with University policy. At this time, the University is only able to provide H-1B visa sponsorship for candidates currently residing in the U.S. with a valid, transferable visa status (e.g. H-1B, F-1, J-1). Bucknell is not currently in a position to initiate new H-1B petitions for candidates residing abroad

Benefits: 

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):

• Flexible scheduling options determined by role; 
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
• An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
• Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
• A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
• A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

Inclusive Excellence:
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community.  We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings.  We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

E-Verify

Bucknell University participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program.  We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

For additional information regarding Bucknell's E-Verify requirements, please contact the office of Talent, Culture & Human Resources (570) 577-1631 or email hr@bucknell.edu.