Assistant Professor of Politics

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The Department of Politics at Mount Holyoke College seeks to hire an assistant professor for a full-time, tenure-track position in American public law starting July 1, 2027. The department is seeking someone who can use their expertise to contextualize the operation of law and courts within the changing political and institutional environment of the United States. We welcome all methodological approaches to the study of American law and politics. 

The teaching load is two courses per semester, for a total of four courses per year. The faculty member will be expected to offer an introductory course on American politics, as well as a constitutional law/civil liberties sequence regularly, and will be invited to offer additional courses that align with their active research agenda. The ability to teach research methods is a plus, but not required. Following their first year, the faculty member will also regularly contribute to student advising. PhD or ABD required.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of strong teaching at the undergraduate level and experience mentoring students who are broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, and religion.

To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter, a CV, sample syllabi (e.g., American Politics, Con Law or Civil Liberties, and an elective in area of expertise), and 1-2 page statements concerning (1) teaching philosophy, (2) research interests, and (3) mentoring a diverse student body. Should they move forward in the review process, applicants will need to provide contact information for three references who can supply letters of recommendation. 

The review of applications begins on October 1, 2026. Please direct all questions regarding this position to the search committee chair, Dr. Adam Hilton at [email protected].

Minimum starting rate of pay: $90,000.

Mount Holyoke is an undergraduate liberal arts college with 2,200 students and 220 faculty. Mount Holyoke College is located about 90 miles west of Boston in the Connecticut River valley, and is a member of the Five College Consortium consisting of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts.

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications

• A complete resume or curriculum vitae

• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

​It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.