Job Summary
The Department of Political Science at Purdue University Fort Wayne seeks a teacher-scholar for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor specializing in Comparative Politics with the ability to teach other subfields of the discipline, which could include public policy, political philosophy, or specialties within American politics. Applicants for the position must be prepared to teach courses such as, but not limited to, Introduction to Comparative Politics, advanced courses in Comparative Politics (excluding Eastern European Politics), and a range of courses across other areas of the discipline.
The Department
The successful candidate will teach three courses each semester and have the opportunity to develop courses that connect with one’s research. A commitment to mastering instruction, working closely with students, advising, mentorship, research, and institutional service are also part of the ethos of the department. The Department of Political Science is in the College of Liberal Arts, which features an interdisciplinary curriculum and culture. Faculty receive robust support from university services, including Instructional Technology, the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching, and our library system, among others. The salary and benefits associated with the position are commensurate with those of a comprehensive regional campus of a major university system.
The Department faculty is a methodologically diverse, collegial, and collaborative group of outstanding teachers, scholars, and mentors. We have multiple interdisciplinary connections with departments and programs such as History, Economics, International Studies, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and fellow social sciences. The Peace and Conflict Studies and Civic Education and Public Advocacy certificates are housed in our department as well. Our student success has been recognized across campus and beyond, evidenced by our students’ placement in top-ten law and graduate programs, a Carnegie Junior Scholar, multiple recent Fulbright student grants, and careers ranging from judges to corporate executives to academics to think tank researchers to government employees at the international, federal, state, and local levels.
The University
Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) is the largest university in northeast Indiana and is a designated metropolitan campus within the esteemed Purdue University system. Our students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from one of the most trusted and prestigious brands in higher education. With just under 6,000 students (46% of whom are first generation), over 300 full-time faculty members, and eight colleges and schools, PFW serves the region as the hub of intellectual, social, economic, and cultural advancement. Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne, has a population of 270,000 and resides within a greater metropolitan area of approximately 430,000. The city enjoys a diverse, active, and well-supported arts community, is home to several minor league sports teams, and has miles of pathways and trails that highlight the city and the three rivers that flow through it.
Qualifications
Applicants must receive their Ph.D in Political Science or closely related field no later than August 14, 2026. Completion of the degree is a requirement for taking up the appointment.
The Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following required materials: letter of interest specifically addressing teaching experience and interests, unofficial transcripts, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching and advising philosophy, evidence of teaching and advising effectiveness, research statement, writing sample, and the names of three professional references. All candidates invited for a campus interview will be expected to do a 45-60-minute instructional student presentation as well as a presentation on their proposed research program and how they would incorporate their scholarship with undergraduate instruction.
Submit all materials to https://careers.purdue.edu/FW/go/FW-Faculty/7720100/. Review of applications will begin immediately. All applications received by January 23, 2026 will receive full consideration. The position will be open until the position is filled. The position is contingent upon available funding and a satisfactory background check.
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Dr. Michael Wolf (Department Chair) at wolfm@pfw.edu.
Purdue University Fort Wayne is an EEO/AA employer.