Distinguished Visiting Professor (Middle East and Global Studies)
LOCATION:
United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on September 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
ABOUT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:
The United States Naval Academy is a unique institution of higher learning located in Annapolis, Maryland. As a service academy and premier undergraduate college, the United States Naval Academy has its own distinctive niche amongst American higher education institutions. Our talented faculty and staff are united by a common purpose--to develop the next generation of officers to be exceptional leaders in our naval service.
Every year more than one million people tour "the Yard" to experience what our employees already know — the United States Naval Academy is a special place, with a special purpose. Employees will find challenging and rewarding work; state-of-the-art facilities which inspire academic and athletic excellence; the benefits of Federal employment; and exceptional quality-of-life.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The United States Naval Academy’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences invites applications for a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Middle East and Global Studies, a distinguished visiting professorship endowed by the Class of 1955, to begin as early as Fall 2026. Holders of the Class of 1955 Chair are distinguished scholars and government officials with expertise in the Middle East who teach and pursue research while in residence. An appointment of approximately two years with the possibility of renewal will be made. Duties include teaching two courses per semester (one in history and one in political science) designed by the holder of the Class of 1955 Chair in discussion with the History and Political Science department chairs. Each course will have about 20 students. The Distinguished Visiting Professor will also make one presentation about ongoing research and participate actively in the History and Political Science departments.
Duties and responsibilities:
Candidates must have a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and to producing high-quality research. In support of this commitment, they will:
- Teach upper-division elective courses in history and political science related to their scholarly specialities and professional experience;
- produce original scholarship relevant to the Middle East and global studies that finds publication in appropriate professional venues; and
- participate in ongoing faculty activities related to Middle East and global studies.
This is an onsite, gift-funded, 10-month compensation model, excepted service federal position with an initial two year appointment and the possibility of renewal. As an employee under a 10-month compensation model, you will be required to take 343 hours of Leave-Without-Pay (LWOP) throughout the year, typically within the June to August time frame.
Salary Details:
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- Pay Band: AD-09
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- Approximate Starting Salary Range: $140,000 to $150,000
- Based on 10-month compensation model
- Approximate Starting Salary Range: $140,000 to $150,000
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- Final Salary: Will be determined based on:
- Experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
- Availability of funds from a gift fund (i.e., the position is supported by a designated or restricted funding source)
- Final Salary: Will be determined based on:
MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Ten years of professional or academic experience engaged in the Middle East or Middle Eastern studies
- Master’s or other advanced academic degree(s) in history, political science, international relations, or another relevant discipline
Preferred Qualifications (We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience or demonstrated interest in some or all of the following areas):
- Experience in a senior governmental or policy-focused position related to the Middle East.
- A commitment to undergraduate education, and evidence of teaching effectiveness at the undergraduate level.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct research that results in peer-reviewed publications.
- Ability to mentor students.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong understanding of both the history and political science academic disciplines.
FINAL SELECTION FOR POSITION WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING ASSESSMENTS:
- Virtual or on-campus interviews (preliminary and secondary interviews)
- Executive level interview
- Teaching demonstration
- Reference Checks
HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:
Interested candidates should send application packages to the hiring manager and Class of 1955 DVP Search Committee, at 1955-DVP-2026-group@usna.edu.
Application Packages need to contain:
- Cover Letter
- Please clearly indicate your status as a U.S. citizen in the cover letter, as this is required for the position.
- 2-page Resume (we can only accept resumes up to two pages in length)
- This document must be sufficient on its own to assess whether the applicant meets all “Required Minimum Qualifications.”
- Contact information for three professional references
- Supplemental materials
- Full curriculum vitae/resume
- Teaching Statement
- Research plan
Candidates should also submit a response to the narrative questions found using this link. Please note you will need to include the announcement number listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Please note: This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on September 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Two-year trial period will typically be required.
- All civilian positions at USNA are subject to a background investigation. The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination. More information about the background investigation process can be found at the Academic Dean and Provost’s website, https://www.usna.edu/Academics/Faculty-Information/Background-Investigation-Info.php.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
NOTICE TO VETERANS: If you are a veteran, you are encouraged to clearly identify your Veterans’ status in your cover letter or elsewhere in your application materials. Please DO NOT provide official documentation, such as a DD-214 or any personally identifiable information, at this time.
NOTICE TO CURRENT ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Separating service members will be eligible for employment to an excepted service position within 120 days of discharge given a Statement of Service can be provided. If selected, you will be required to submit a Statement of Service indicating your branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, your expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) The statement of service must be printed on command letterhead and signed by your command.
NOTICE TO RETIRING MILITARY: Retired service members cannot be appointed to DOD civilian positions within 180 days of retiring. As such, they must observe a 180 day waiting period starting from their date of retirement. USNA does not waive this waiting period requirement for excepted service positions.
NOTICE TO RETIRED FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES: Please note that the criteria for the hiring of federal annuitants are highly restricted and this vacancy is not likely to meet the criteria for appointment of annuitants. Reemployed Annuitants will only be considered if multiple recruitment efforts do not produce a qualified candidate. The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf .
NOTICE FOR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.
– OR –
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.
The Department of the Navy provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they require reasonable accommodation should contact our Human Resource Office to ensure that the Department of the Navy can consider such requests. The decision to grant an accommodation will be made on a case by case basis.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Announcement: HIST 2026-3
The U.S. Naval Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
