About the role
Open Field, Open Rank Faculty Position in Political Science
The Department of Political Science at Stanford University is seeking applications for a tenure line open rank, open subfield position. Applicants must have demonstrated the ability to maintain a world-class research program and a commitment to effective teaching and mentoring. The term of appointment is expected to begin on September 1, 2027.
Candidates should apply through Stanford Faculty Positions.
Candidates for an untenured position at the rank of assistant professor must have a PhD or be enrolled in a PhD program or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application, with expected degree completion by date of appointment as an assistant professor. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of a creative research trajectory and a commitment to excellence in teaching at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Untenured applicants should send a cover letter, CV (including a publication list), a research and teaching statement (no more than three single-spaced pages), teaching evaluations, Ph.D. program transcripts, and a writing sample along with three professional letters of recommendation.
Candidates for a tenured position at the rank of associate or full professor must have a conferred PhD or equivalent international degree. Candidates should demonstrate substantial evidence of a creative research career, impact on his or her field of study, and a commitment to excellence in teaching and advising students at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Tenured applicants should send a cover letter, CV (including a publication list), teaching and research statement (no more than three single-spaced pages), and teaching evaluations.
All candidates will be asked to provide the names of three references:
- Assistant professor applicant references will be automatically contacted for a letter upon submission of the application.
- Senior Applicants Only: During the application process, you will be asked whether you have tenure at your current academic institution. If you select “yes,” the system will prompt you to provide three reference names. Please indicate “not applicable” for this field and provide email contact notapplicable@notapplicable.com. If you list valid referee information they will NOT be contacted automatically.
The Department of Political Science, School of Humanities & Sciences, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.
The salary range for this position in the academic year 2026-27 is
Assistant Professor: $143,916- $154,577
Associate Professor: $186,558 - $234,531
Professor: $266,512 - $373,117
Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.
Further information about Stanford’s Department of Political Science may be found at https://politicalscience.stanford.edu/. Inquiries may be directed to Natalie Badalov, Faculty Affairs Coordinator, nbadalov@stanford.edu.
Review of all applications will begin on September 1, 2026. Applications of candidates for an untenured position must be received by November 1, 2026. Applications of candidates for a tenured position will be considered until March 31, 2027.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.