Professor of American Politics, Open Rank (T/TT)

Hiring Department
University of Missouri-Columbia
College of Arts and Science
Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy

Job Description

The Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy (KICD) and the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri invite applications for a tenured/tenure track position in American politics, primarily at the associate or full professor level, though advanced assistant professors are also encouraged to apply. We seek a scholar of American politics whose research engages the historical development of American constitutional democracy, with particular interest in scholarship on the early Republic. We welcome scholars working across a range of fields and approaches, including American Political Thought (including political theory and political philosophy), American Political Development, or historically grounded research on political institutions, parties and elections, public policy, public law, and constitutional politics.

Faculty we hire are expected to maintain a vibrant research program and teach both undergraduate and graduate courses that include, but are not limited to, the intellectual underpinnings of the early Republic and the debates surrounding the drafting and ratification of the Constitution. The position carries a 2/2 teaching load, with four courses per academic year. For all applicants, experience in collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching is an asset, and contribution to the experiential programming and intellectual life of the Kinder Institute is required.

The Kinder Institute at the University of Missouri is an interdisciplinary, signature academic center connected to the History Department and Truman School of Government and Public Affairs. Proudly non-partisan and committed to empowering students of all backgrounds and viewpoints, it is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement in history, political thought, and institutions, with a particular emphasis on the ideas and events surrounding the creation of the United States and their continued global impact and relevance today. The Kinder Institute houses many thriving programs, including a BA in Constitutional Democracy, an MA in Atlantic History and Politics, and research connections and study abroad initiatives with Oxford University and the University of the Western Cape. In addition, the Kinder Institute sponsors graduate and postdoctoral fellowships in History and Political Science.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

A Political Science Ph.D. by the appointment start date is required.

Application Materials

Please apply online at: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings (Job Opening ID 61448). Applicants should submit a cover letter, C.V., a one-page research statement, a writing sample (an article or chapter), and a one-page statement that outlines how they would contribute to the teaching, experiential, and community engagement work of the Kinder Institute. Candidates should include complete contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation from professional references will only be requested from finalists

Job Duties

Applicants may contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Professor Jarod Roll (jroll@missouri.edu) with any questions about the job duties or the application process. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2026. The post will remain open until filled. The application can be found here:

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.