Assistant Professor, Political Science

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906 WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16293 students and nearly 2612 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students faculty and staff to become effective scholars contributors and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville TN and just over 100 miles south of Louisville KY WKUs main campus is in Bowling Green KY - a city with approximately 70000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKUs strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays vacation and sick leave and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at Description:

The Department of Political Science invites applications for a tenure-track eligible position of assistant professor in U.S. politics and with strengths in one or more of the following: judicial politics political behavior constitutional law public administration public policy political institutions and research methods. Candidates may also be expected to contribute to advising pre-law students.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching advising research and service. The candidate will also be expected to pursue an active and productive research agenda that engages undergraduate students

The Department of Political Science is home to undergraduate majors in Political Science International Affairs Professional Legal Studies Philosophy and Legal Studies. The department also offers a Master of Public Administration.

For additional information on our department and academic programs please visit our website at in political science or closely related field is required at the time of appointment.

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Revised 1992 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race color ethnicity national origin creed religion political belief sex sexual orientation gender identity/expression marital status age uniformed services veteran status genetic information pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process may contact the Office of Institutional Equity at for assistance. To report concerns related to WKUs Discrimination and Harassment Policy No. 0.2040 and/or WKUs Sex and Gender-Based Discrimination Harassment and Retaliation Policy No. 0.2070 please complete the Discrimination Harassment and Retaliation Reporting Form. Additional information regarding Title IX including contact information for the Title IX Coordinator and reporting options is available on WKUs Title IX website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: information related to job postings application status or the hiring process please email.

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by September 30 2026 although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Letter of application addressing interest and qualifications
• Curriculum Vita
• Unofficial Transcripts

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.