The Department of Political Science at Colorado State University invites applicants for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in American Politics. We are open with respect to specialization—scholars of Public Law, American political institutions and political behavior are all welcome to apply—theoretical orientation, substantive focus, and methodological approaches. The teaching load is 3-3, and courses to be covered will include Introduction to American Government and Politics as well as upper division undergraduate courses in the curriculum that correlate with one’s expertise and might include Politics of Organized Interests, US Political Parties and Elections, Political Psychology, American Constitutional Law, US Civil Rights and Liberties, Judicial Politics, Executive Politics, or other classes that meet department needs.
The Department of Political Science at Colorado State University provides quality undergraduate and graduate educational programs leading to the B.A., M.A. and PhD degrees. Our curriculum covers the breadth of the Political Science discipline including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy and administration. The Department has a unique specialization in environmental politics and policy, which is reflected in the undergraduate and graduate curricula as well as faculty research and outreach.
Full Consideration Date: Monday, February 9th, 2026, 11:59 pm MT
Teaching - Successful candidates will be expected to offer courses in the American Politics curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Additional teaching assignments will depend on the candidate’s interests and expertise as well as departmental needs. The normal teaching load for this position is 3-3.
Research - Faculty members are expected to develop an active research agenda.
This position reports directly to the Department Chair of Political Science.
This position does not have any direct reports.
Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires)
PhD in Political Science by August 16th, 2026.
Primary teaching and scholarly emphasis in American Politics.
Evidence of teaching effectiveness to include the capacity to teach a large introductory survey class on American government and politics as well as other needed upper division undergraduate courses in American politics.
Applicants should submit:
1) a letter of interest that includes a list of courses offered by the Political Science Department that you propose to teach (the Department’s entire curriculum is available here: https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/courses-az/pols/), 2) Curriculum Vitae, 3) graduate school transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage of the search), 4) evidence of teaching effectiveness (syllabi, teaching evaluations, letters of observation), and 5) the names and contact information for three professional references who will be contacted via email for finalists only.
$58,000 - $60,000
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Course Materials/Syllabus/Class Evaluations, Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Special Required Documentation, Statement of Teaching/Research Philosophy, Transcripts
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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