Instructor in Research Methods and Comparative Politics

Job Description The Department of Political Science at Virginia Tech invites applications for a two-year, full time, renewable Instructor position in the areas of research methods and comparative politics. The teaching requirement for this position will be eight courses per year (4/4), with the appointment beginning on August 10, 2026. The position will support the majors and minors offered by the Department of Political Science. We are seeking faculty specifically interested in undergraduate teaching and curriculum initiatives revolving around empirical political science methods, in addition to areas such as comparative politics, and/or Latin American politics, global development, international conflict management or related areas of study within these specialties. Applicants with empirically based approaches are especially encouraged to apply, as are those who would benefit from working in an intellectually diverse environment and are committed to excellence in the classroom. Successful applicants will engage in teaching and consultation with students to foster proficiency in political science research methods and comparative politics, as well as in meetings with departmental leadership to enhance and improve curriculum development. For further information on our academic programs, see https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-political-science.html. The Department of Political Science seeks broadly trained applicants with an expertise in empirical methodology. Required Qualifications

M.A./M.S.

degree in Government, Political Science, or related field by the time of appointment Candidates must have adequate evidence of teaching effectiveness to meet the Department's key teaching needs Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. in degree in Government, Political Science, or related field by the time of appointment Prior experience with and/or training in at least some of the above noted substantive areas How to Apply Screening of applications will begin April 27, 2026.

Please submit:

Curriculum vitae Cover letter (no longer than two pages) A recent writing sample Teaching Evaluations List of 3 references with email contact information

Overtime Status Exempt:

Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Restricted Salary Information The starting salary for this position is $50,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Review Date April 27, 2026 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kim Hedge at khedge@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.