Assistant Prof. of Political Science and Director of the Pre-Law Program

Position Summary

The Department of Political Science at the University of Detroit Mercy invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Political Science, with specialization in Legal Studies or Judicial Politics, to begin August 2026.

The Department of Political Science and its Pre-Law program are vibrant with engaged faculty committed to offering innovative courses and programming for our growing student population that is fervent and eager to learn. The Department of Political Science is deeply committed to the University’s distinctive mission of educational excellence, to a diverse student population within a vibrant urban context, and a commitment to community engagement. The Department of Political Science is dedicated to enhancing diversity in the University community and curriculum.

The department seeks candidates to teach courses in Legal Studies and Judicial Studies broadly construed. Teaching assignments may include the following areas: Supreme Court, American Political Institutions, Contract Law, Property Law, Family Law, Torts, Law and Culture, Arbitration and Mediation/Alternative Dispute Settlement, and Law and Society. Candidates should be prepared to teach various Political Science courses in addition to topics in their area of specialization. The teaching load is 18 credit hours (6 courses) per academic year for faculty with an active research agenda. The successful candidate will assume directorship of the Pre-Law Program. In addition, the candidate will be expected to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and student advising. The candidate will be expected to engage in research and scholarship related to political science, legal or judicial studies, and to provide service to the department and its pre-law program, and to the College and University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Teaching core courses in our Legal Studies program and in the Political Science curriculum with a focus on political institutions and the judiciary, as well as other courses in the department related to the qualifications of the position holder, advising, curriculum and program development.
2. Normal teaching load includes nine credit hours per semester on a nine-month appointment with supplemental summer teaching appointments often available.
3. All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A Ph.D. in Political Science. Advanced ABDs will be considered but must have their Ph.D. in Political Science completed within one year of hire.
2. Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching (teaching evaluations) and a commitment to experiential learning.
3. Evidence of active engagement with research and scholarship demonstrated by presentations at conferences, publications, moot court participation, or membership in professional organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with a Ph.D. in Political Science who also have a JD are preferred and encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in directing a pre-law program, or other demonstrated service or leadership are preferred. A track record of research achievement including a current research plan in Political Science, Legal Studies or Judicial Studies is preferred. We are especially interested in applicants dedicated to excellence in both teaching and research in a liberal arts setting. Strong candidates will have a record of experience or demonstrated commitment to teaching diverse students.

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Schedule

TBD

Employee Benefits

At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:

• Medical -
  • Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
• Dental -
  • UDM’s School of Dentistry, discounted to you and your dependents
  • Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
• Vision -
  • UDM’s School of Optometry, discounted to you and your dependents
  • Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage

• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Employee Assistance Program -
  • Provided to everyone in your household
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life and AD&D -
  • One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
• Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance
• Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children.
• Retirement Plan -
  • UDM provides matches up to 8%

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates must apply by completing an application and uploading materials. Materials must include:

• A letter of application that states the applicant’s interest in the position, credentials relative to the required items listed in the “Qualifications” section and illustration of how their scholarship is related to Political Science, Legal Studies and/or Judicial Studies.
• A curriculum vitae
• Sample syllabi or detailed course proposals
• A teaching statement
• A service statement
• A research statement
• A scholarly writing sample
• Academic transcripts

Three (3) letters of recommendation should be available upon request. Review of applications will begin Friday, March 6, 2026, and will continue until an appointment is made.

Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.

Learn more about our university mission here.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Felicia A. Grey, Ph.D., Chair of the Search Committee: greyfa@udmercy.edu.