Assistant Professor of Political Science (Public Law) – University of the Pacific

Assistant Professor of Political Science (Public Law) – University of the Pacific

• Institution: University of the Pacific

• Academic Unit: Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies (College of the Pacific)

• Posting Number: F01079

• Appointment Type: Full-Time, Tenure-Track

• Academic Rank: Assistant Professor

• Salary / Remuneration: $74,000 per year (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

• Location: Stockton, California, United States (In-person; within 25 miles of campus preferred)

• Application Review Begins: September 14, 2026 (Open until filled)

• Expected Start Date: Fall 2027

Overview of Role

The Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies at the University of the Pacific invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Political Science specializing in Public Law, commencing in Fall 2027.

The department seeks a teacher-scholar whose research and teaching center on courts, constitutional law, judicial behavior, and the role of law in U.S. politics.

Key Responsibilities & Teaching Scope

• Course Load: Teach five (5) courses per academic year (2-3 or 3-2 distribution).

• Curricular Offerings:

  • Lower-division courses in Public Law and U.S. Politics.

  • Upper-division courses in Constitutional Law (civil liberties, civil rights, separation of powers) and Judicial Politics.

  • One course annually within Pacific’s CORE Seminar series.

• Scholarly Research: Maintain an active research agenda with clear potential for peer-reviewed publications.

• Service & Advising: Provide student academic advising and engage in service to the department, college, university, and profession.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

• Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related discipline completed by the time of appointment.

  • Demonstrated evidence of a productive research agenda and peer-reviewed scholarship potential.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Empirical or interpretive methodological approaches to the study of law and courts.

  • Specialization in judicial behavior, constitutional development, federalism, rights/civil liberties, comparative judicial politics, or criminal justice.

  • Demonstrated effectiveness in undergraduate teaching with course design experience.

  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

• Special Conditions:

  • Note: In-person role requiring California residence; this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Application Checklist & Required Documents

Applicants must apply through the Pacific recruitment portal and upload:

1. Cover Letter / Letter of Application

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Research Statement

4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy

5. Writing Sample (dissertation chapter, conference paper, or published article)

6. Course Syllabi & Teaching Evaluations (if available)

7. Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References (or confidential letters submitted separately)

Application Process & Inquiries

• 🔗 Online Application Portal: Apply via University of the Pacific Careers

• 📧 Department Chair Contact: Dr. Dari Tran (dtran1@pacific.edu)

• 📅 Review Start Date: September 14, 2026 (Open until filled)

🌐 pacific.edu