Job opportunity: Assistant Professor, Russian and/or Eurasian International Relations, Department of Political Science, University of Kansas

The University of Kansas (KU) Department of Political Science of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in collaboration with the university’s Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies (CREES) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professorship in Russian and/or Eurasian International Relations beginning August 18, 2023. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate methodological training that is appropriate with their theoretical approaches as well as provide evidence of the capacity to publish in major journals or presses in political science. Preference will be given to applicants with research and/or teaching specialty in Russian and Eurasian international relations including foreign policy, security, political economy, and the opportunity to develop courses in the candidate’s own areas of

expertise.

Candidates are expected to contribute to the political science department as well as CREES’ interdisciplinary intellectual community and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. The Political Science Department and CREES are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for students, faculty and staff. The successful candidates will have experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Duties:  40% teaching: 1) Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Political Science. Load is 4 courses per academic year, a 2:2 load; 3) Participate in the academic advising of undergraduate students including mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research.

40% Research: 1) Maintain an active and productive research program; 2) Publish monograph for tenure; 3) Publish in peer reviewed journals and edited volumes and attend professional conferences.

20% service: 1) Serve on committees at the departmental, College, and University levels as opportunities arise; 2) Participate in professional service; 3) Participate in broader interdisciplinary initiatives relating to ethics and social justice in the University and in the Lawrence community

Required Qualifications: 1) A doctorate in Political Science. If ABD, the dissertation must be successfully defended by the position start date; 2)  Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level; 3)  Demonstrated ability or plans to develop an innovative body of research and scholarship as evidenced by scholarly publications, presentations, and/or other scholarly activities; 4) Expertise on Russia and/or Eurasia, demonstrated by dissertation chapters, working papers, or publications of relevance to the region

About the University of Kansas: The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.  KU has 21 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top 25 among public universities. KU offers 5,000 courses, 400 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 130 study abroad programs.  Student enrollment for the Lawrence was 23,958 representing all 50 states and 112 countries.

KU’s research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally-rich community — a quintessential college town. Residents and visitors enjoy a thriving downtown, diverse local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history.  Home to nearly 95,000 people, Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theatre venues, and professional sports teams.

At the University of Kansas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are an important part of our culture and university strategic plan. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged, noting the value that differences bring to our organization, students, staff, faculty, and community. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

For further details and a full position description, go to: https://employment.ku.edu/academic/23401BR.  A complete application package includes: (1) a cover letter summarizing research goals and teaching experiences and interests; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) teaching statement showing evidence of teaching ability; (4) a research statement with goals and research potential (samples of published work or conference papers); and (5) the names, email addresses, and contact information for 3 professional references. ABD candidates need to include advisor contact information

In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant’s contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU’s mission.  As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application.  The response must be within 4,000 characters or less:  Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Application review will begin October 15, 2022, and will remain open until the position is filled.  For more information, please contact Clayton Webb, Search Committee Chair, at webb767@ku.edu.