Assistant Professor (Political Science)

LOCATION:

United States Naval Academy, Political Science Department

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on January 26, 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 Political Science Department invites applications for a tenure-track position in international relations with an anticipated start in summer 2026.  Candidates should have a solid commitment to undergraduate teaching and to producing high-quality peer-reviewed research. International relations scholars with expertise in security studies, great power competition, and/or conflict processes are particularly encouraged to apply. 

The successful applicant can expect to teach three sections each semester with small class sizes (typically 16-20 students), and a total of two to four course preparations per year. Opportunities exist for research and summer salary support from within the institution.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Teach undergraduate courses in international relations at the introductory and advanced undergraduate levels.
• Conduct and publish high quality, peer-reviewed scholarly research and present at academic conferences.
• Serve as a mentor to students.
• Perform rank-appropriate service activities for the Department, School, and Institution.

This is an onsite, 10-month compensation model, excepted service federal faculty position with a 3-year renewable appointment, a highly competitive salary, and full federal benefits.

Salary Details:  

• • Pay Band: AD-01 - AD-03
    • Will be dependent on degree standing at time of start date.  

• • Approximate Starting Salary: $86,000 - $98,000
    
    • Based on 10-month compensation model

• • Final Salary Will be determined based on:
    • Experience and qualifications of the selected candidate

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• A doctorate in political science or a closely related field from an accredited institution (anticipated completion of degree no later than June 2026 is acceptable).

Preferred Qualifications (We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience or demonstrated interest in some or all of the following areas):

• Teaching and research expertise in security studies, great power competition, and/or conflict processes.
• 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 active duty students.
• Excellent communication skills.

FINAL SELECTION FOR POSITION WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING ASSESSMENTS: 

• Teaching Demonstration 
• Presentation of the candidates research and scholarship program  
• On campus interviews
• Executive-Level Interview

HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Interested candidates should send application packages to the IR Search Committee, at ir-position2026-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.”
  • Supplemental materials
    • Full academic CV
    • Teaching statement 
    • Description of research plan
    • Writing sample 
    • Any additional information candidate would like to submit 
    • Contact information for three professional references

Candidates should arrange for three letters of recommendation that address both teaching and research abilities to be sent to the search committee at  IR-position2026-group@usna.edu.

Candidates should also submit a response to the narrative questions found here. 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 January 26, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.  The ability to fill this position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

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:

The U.S. Naval Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer