Assistant Prof. of Political Science and Director of the Pre-Law Program

Job ID

FU9724-0021-1909

Position Classification

FT Faculty UDMPU (9 months)

Position Summary

The Department of Political Science at the University of Detroit Mercy invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Political Science, with specialization in Legal Studies or Judicial Politics, to begin August 2026.

The Department of Political Science and its Pre-Law program are vibrant with engaged faculty committed to offering innovative courses and programming for our growing student population that is fervent and eager to learn. The Department of Political Science is deeply committed to the University’s distinctive mission of educational excellence, to a diverse student population within a vibrant urban context, and a commitment to community engagement. The Department of Political Science is dedicated to enhancing diversity in the University community and curriculum.

The department seeks candidates to teach courses in Legal Studies and Judicial Studies broadly construed. Teaching assignments may include the following areas: Supreme Court, American Political Institutions, Contract Law, Property Law, Family Law, Torts, Law and Culture, Arbitration and Mediation/Alternative Dispute Settlement, and Law and Society. Candidates should be prepared to teach various Political Science courses in addition to topics in their area of specialization. The teaching load is 18 credit hours (6 courses) per academic year for faculty with an active research agenda. The successful candidate will assume directorship of the Pre-Law Program. In addition, the candidate will be expected to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and student advising. The candidate will be expected to engage in research and scholarship related to political science, legal or judicial studies, and to provide service to the department and its pre-law program, and to the College and University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Teaching core courses in our Legal Studies program and in the Political Science curriculum with a focus on political institutions and the judiciary, as well as other courses in the department related to the qualifications of the position holder, advising, curriculum and program development.
2. Normal teaching load includes nine credit hours per semester on a nine-month appointment with supplemental summer teaching appointments often available.
3. All other duties as assigned.