Lecturer 100% - 3 Full-time Positions - Political Science Department

Title: Lecturer 100% - 3 Full-time Positions - Political Science Department

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Department: Political Science

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Department of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for three non-tenure-track lecturer positions, slated to begin September 1, 2026.

Essential Functions

Each position carries a 3-3 teaching load with the expectation to contribute service to the undergraduate program, including willingness to serve on ad hoc committees and in other capacities as needed. Each lecturer is expected to teach courses from the following list:

One or more sections of Junior Year Writing (POLISCI 377: Interpretation and Analysis)
One or more introductory courses in political science subfields: American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, or Political Theory.
One or more upper-level courses in areas of expertise, including but not limited to Comparative Politics courses with any regional specialization, Environmental Politics, Gender and Politics, Global Political Economy, Globalization and Governance, Intro to Constitutional Law, Media and Politics, Nationalism/Ethnic/Identity Politics, Public Policy, Race and International Relations, Research Methods, Social Movements, and State and Local Government.

The exact mix of teaching will change from year to year.

These are two-year appointments, with the expectation of reappointment contingent upon programmatic needs, funding, and the candidate's performance. We seek dynamic educators who can contribute to our diverse curriculum and strengthen our undergraduate teaching mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Political Science or closely related field.

Evidence of excellence in undergraduate teaching.

Expertise in a primary field of political science and the ability to potentially teach courses in another field of political science.

Experience with or demonstrated commitment to teaching writing

Preferred Qualifications

Versatility to teach both large introductory courses and smaller upper-level seminars.

Interest in innovative and inclusive pedagogical approaches.

Experience mentoring undergraduate research.

Additional Details

The Department of Political Science serves over 700 majors and offers BA, MA, and PhD degrees. Located in the scenic Pioneer Valley, we benefit from participation in the Five College Consortium. We value excellent teaching, intellectual diversity, and collegial collaboration.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

This is a full-time position with a two-year contract, expected to start on Sep. 1, 2026. Ongoing contract renewal is based on programmatic needs, funding, and the candidate's performance.

Salary Information

It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $65,550 and $87,309. The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Please note:

The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.

The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a letter of interest describing your teaching experience, areas of expertise, and the specific courses you are prepared to teach, a curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (evaluations, peer observations, sample syllabi), a brief statement on your approach to inclusive teaching and names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Review of applications will begin on March 20, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Please direct questions concerning the position to the Associate Chair of the Department at deanr@umass.edu.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.