Job Description

The Department of Political Science at Swarthmore College invites applications for a three year Visiting Assistant Professor position in Political Theory to begin in the fall semester of 2025. The successful candidate will have a PhD in political science in hand by August 2025. The area of specialization within Political Theory is open.

The Department of Political Science provides students with a rigorous education that spans all four traditional subfields of the discipline. The Department consists of nine tenure-line faculty members and three visiting faculty members (including this position).  Visiting faculty teach the same 2-2 course load as tenure-track faculty, are provided mentoring and professional development opportunities, and are eligible for funds to support research, conference travel, and student summer research. The salary is highly competitive.

Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to diversity, and actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information on Faculty Diversity and Excellence at Swarthmore, see: Information for Faculty Candidates .

Applicants must have completed or expect to complete a Ph.D. in Political Science by August 2025.

The strongest candidates will be expected to demonstrate an active research program and a commitment to creative and excellent teaching that speaks to and motivates undergraduates from diverse backgrounds.

Candidates must demonstrate excellence in undergraduate teaching as well as an active research profile. Applicants should include:

• A cover letter describing the applicant?s research agenda, teaching philosophy, courses previously taught, potential courses for Swarthmore, and their experience of (and/or plans for) creating an inclusive environment for students. 

• A curriculum vitae.

• A sample of the candidate?s research, such as an article, book chapter, or dissertation chapter.

• A sample syllabus for a course in Political Theory that you might teach at Swarthmore.

• A graduate school transcript.

• Three letters of recommendation (at least one letter should specifically comment on the candidate?s teaching).

Apply at: . Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; all applications submitted by February 21, 2025 will receive full consideration. Selected applicants will be invited for interviews.

Please address any questions you may have to Christina Dahl, Political Science Department at cdahl1@swarthmore.edu .

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

About Swarthmore College

Since its founding in 1864, Swarthmore College has given students the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience to become leaders for the common good. Offering a liberal arts and engineering curriculum, the College is private, yet open to all regardless of financial need. It is also decidedly global in outlook, drawing students from around the world and all 50 states. The diversity of perspectives represented by Swarthmore students, faculty, and staff - including different viewpoints, identities, and histories - contributes to the community's strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.

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