University of Rochester Political Science Professor Job 2027: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Political Methodology

The University of Rochester is inviting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Political Science specializing in political methodology. The position is based in Rochester, New York, and is expected to begin on July 1, 2027.

The opportunity is offered through the Department of Political Science within the University’s School of Arts & Sciences. It is particularly suited to scholars whose methodological research addresses substantive questions in politics and political economy.

Candidates from political science and related disciplines, including statistics, computer science, and economics, are encouraged to apply, provided their research aligns with the position’s methodological and substantive focus.

About the Position

The Department of Political Science at the University of Rochester is seeking a scholar for a tenure-track faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.

The successful candidate will join the department as a political methodology scholar whose research connects methodological innovation with substantive questions in politics and political economy.

The position provides an opportunity for an early-career academic to develop a long-term research and teaching career within a university environment.

The appointment is scheduled to begin:

July 1, 2027

The position is based in:

Rochester, New York, USA

The listed salary range is:

$120,000–$140,000

What Is Political Methodology?

Political methodology is an area of political science concerned with developing and applying research methods to understand political phenomena.

Researchers in this field may work with statistical methods, computational approaches, causal inference, research design, data analysis, mathematical modelling and other quantitative or qualitative approaches.

For this particular position, the University of Rochester is interested in candidates whose methodological research does not exist independently from substantive political questions.

Instead, candidates should demonstrate how their methodological research can be used to investigate important questions relating to politics and political economy.

This makes the position particularly relevant to researchers who combine methodological expertise with substantive interests in political science.

Research Focus

Applicants should have methodological research interests that address substantive questions in:

• Politics
• Political economy
• Political behaviour
• Political institutions
• Related areas of political science

The department welcomes candidates whose research demonstrates strong methodological expertise while making meaningful contributions to understanding political or economic processes.

Applicants from related disciplines may also be considered, particularly where their methodological work connects clearly with political science.

Academic Background

The position is open to candidates who hold a PhD or are ABD in political science or a related discipline.

The advertisement specifically identifies several related fields, including:

• Statistics
• Computer science
• Economics
• Other relevant disciplines

Candidates from these fields should be able to demonstrate that their methodological research addresses substantive questions relevant to politics and political economy.

PhD and ABD Candidates

Applicants do not necessarily need to have completed their PhD at the time of application because the position also welcomes candidates who are ABD (All But Dissertation).

However, applicants should have the appropriate doctoral-level academic background in political science or a related field.

Candidates should ensure that their academic and research profile demonstrates a strong fit with the department’s focus on political methodology.

Salary

The advertised salary range for the position is:

$120,000–$140,000

The final salary may depend on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, experience and the University’s applicable compensation policies.

Location

The position is located in:

Rochester, New York

Rochester is home to the University of Rochester and provides the academic environment in which the successful candidate will undertake their teaching and research responsibilities.

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Application Deadline

The University of Rochester will consider all applications received by September 15, 2026.

Importantly, the department states that it will continue accepting applications after September 15, 2026.

Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications by the September 15 priority date rather than waiting until after the stated date.

Priority application date: September 15, 2026

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit several documents as part of their application.

1. Cover Letter

The cover letter should introduce the candidate and explain their suitability for the position.

Applicants should use the letter to demonstrate their academic background, research interests and alignment with the Department of Political Science.

2. Curriculum Vitae

Candidates must submit an up-to-date CV detailing their academic qualifications, research experience, publications, teaching experience and other relevant professional achievements.

3. Research Statement

A research statement is required.

This document should communicate the candidate’s research agenda, methodological expertise, scholarly contributions and future research plans.

Candidates should make the connection between their methodological research and substantive questions in politics or political economy clear.

4. Teaching Statement

Applicants must also submit a teaching statement.

The statement should provide information about the candidate’s teaching experience, approach to teaching and potential contribution to the department’s academic programmes.

5. Three Confidential Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be submitted.

These letters should provide an independent assessment of the candidate’s academic and research capabilities.

6. Writing Sample

A writing sample must also be included in the application.

Candidates should select a piece of scholarly work that demonstrates the quality of their research, analytical abilities and methodological expertise.

How the Application Process Works

The University of Rochester is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search system to manage applications for this position.

Applicants who apply through Interfolio will receive a free Dossier account.

This allows candidates to submit their application materials through the platform, including confidential recommendation letters, without being charged for the dossier service.

Applicants should make sure that all required documents are uploaded and that their recommendation letters are properly arranged before submitting their application.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Rochester states that it is an equal employment opportunity institution, including with respect to disability and protected veteran status.

The University is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming culture that supports its mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.

The University’s nondiscrimination commitment extends to employment, recruitment, admissions and access.

The institution states that it does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics including:

• Age
• Color
• Disability
• Ethnicity
• Gender identity or expression
• Genetic information
• Marital status
• Military or veteran status
• National origin
• Race
• Religion or creed
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Citizenship status
• Other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law

Why This Opportunity May Be Valuable for Political Science Researchers

This position provides an opportunity for a scholar specializing in political methodology to pursue a tenure-track academic career at the University of Rochester.

The role may be particularly attractive to researchers who want to combine methodological expertise with substantive political research.

Candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds may also find the opportunity relevant because the department explicitly welcomes applicants from related disciplines such as statistics, computer science and economics.

The position also provides an opportunity to develop a research programme focused on important questions in politics and political economy while contributing to teaching within a political science department.

Key Points Applicants Should Consider

Before applying, prospective candidates should carefully assess their fit with the position.

Applicants should have:

• A PhD or ABD status in political science or a related discipline.
• A strong background in political methodology or a closely related methodological area.
• Research that addresses substantive questions in politics and political economy.
• A research agenda suitable for a tenure-track academic position.
• The ability to contribute to teaching in political science.
• Three confidential letters of recommendation.
• A suitable academic writing sample.
• A clear research statement.
• A teaching statement.
• A CV and cover letter.

Candidates from economics, statistics, computer science and other related disciplines should particularly demonstrate how their research connects with political science.

Application Timeline

The position was opened on:

August 26, 2026

The department will consider applications received by:

September 15, 2026

Applications may still be accepted after this date, but candidates are encouraged to apply by September 15.

The expected appointment begins:

July 1, 2027

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare the required application materials and submit them through the University’s Interfolio Faculty Search system.

The application should contain:

1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. Research statement
4. Teaching statement
5. Three confidential recommendation letters
6. Writing sample

Application portal: Interfolio Faculty Search

Applicants should ensure that their materials clearly communicate their methodological expertise and demonstrate how their research contributes to substantive questions in politics and political economy.

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Conclusion

The University of Rochester Political Science Professor position for 2027 is an excellent opportunity for scholars specializing in political methodology who want to build a tenure-track academic career.

The department is particularly interested in candidates whose methodological research addresses substantive questions in politics and political economy, while also welcoming applicants from related disciplines such as economics, statistics and computer science.

With a listed salary range of $120,000–$140,000, the position offers an opportunity to join the University of Rochester’s Department of Political Science as an Assistant Professor beginning July 1, 2027.

Candidates should prepare a strong application consisting of a cover letter, CV, research statement, teaching statement, three confidential recommendation letters and a writing sample.

Although applications will continue to be accepted after the stated date, candidates should aim to submit their applications by September 15, 2026.