JOBS AT EIU

Assistant Professor in Political Science

We are seeking a colleague for a tenure-track assistant professor position for the primary fields of American and Government and Public Policy, in the Department of Political Science at Eastern Illinois University.

Responsibilities: Our new colleague will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and mentor student research. Courses will be face-to-face, online, and hybrid.

Teaching responsibilities will be in the areas of American government, particularly institutions; and public policy and public affairs. We are also interested in applicants that can teach in the areas of state and local government. The typical teaching load is 3-3, along with student mentoring; workloads are determined by the collective bargaining agreement. The university requires and provides training for online teaching.

Qualifications: Candidates must possess a doctorate or Ph.D. in Political Science or a related field. Candidates with ABD status with evidence of substantial progress toward degree completion will be considered. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence, with dedication to mentoring, applied learning, and promoting inclusive excellence.

Application Process: To apply, submit a letter of application, CV, unofficial graduate transcripts, a 1-page statement of teaching philosophy, and names and contact information for 3 professional references to lnterfolio at this link https://apply.interfolio.com/175373. 

Application review begins November 3 and continues until the position is filled. The start date for this position is August 16, 2026. Questions about the search may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Kevin Anderson at kranderson@eiu.edu.

Salary: The salary range for this position is $6455.00-$8050.00 per month.

Benefits Overview:

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans are available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage. 

The Political Science Department: Our department consists of 6 faculty, a department chair, office staff, and graduate assistants. We offer undergraduate majors in Political Science, International Studies, and Civic and Nonprofit Leadership, an M.A. in Political Science, an online M.A. in Political Science with a Public Administration/Public Policy option, and multiple minors. Learn more about the department at https://www.eiu.edu/polisci/.

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcome environment for all faculty, staff and students. EIU boasts a rich tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest's top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities.

EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois – a comfortable and safe east central town within a two-to three-hour drive of three major metropolitan areas -- Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. 

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer - minority/female/disability/veteran - committed to achieving a diverse community.