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Assistant Professor in Political Science

Universities of Wisconsin · Oshkosh, WI

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell us about your work in comparative politics and the region you focus on.

What they are checking: Whether they have a clear specialty in comparative politics, which is the primary focus of this search.

What is your research plan for the next few years?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic scholarship plan for a student-centered university.

Tell me about a time you designed or redesigned a course.

What they are checking: Whether they keep curriculum current with good teaching practices.

What would you do

How do you handle a heated political discussion in class?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep class respectful and evidence-based when students disagree strongly.

How do you advise students who want internships or careers in government or policy?

What they are checking: Whether they can help students find internships and work, which the posting names.

If you are still finishing your PhD, what is your timeline?

What they are checking: Whether they will finish the degree by or soon after the appointment begins.

About the work

How would you teach an introductory comparative politics course to students who have never traveled abroad?

What they are checking: Whether they can make other countries' politics real and relevant to Wisconsin students.

Could you teach in international relations, law or policy? Which courses?

What they are checking: Whether they can add affiliated teaching areas, which the department welcomes.

How would you mentor a student doing their own research project?

What they are checking: Whether they can guide undergraduate research, which the posting lists as a duty.

How do you teach in different modalities like in-person and online?

What they are checking: Whether they can deliver engaging instruction in varied formats, as the posting requires.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Assistant Professor in Political Science Job Category: Faculty Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant Professor Job Duties: The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in Political Science to begin in Fall 2027. We seek candidates whose primary focus is comparative politics who will thrive in a student-centered environment. The search is open with respect to regional specialization within the comparative politics subfield. Affiliated teaching expertise in international relations, law, or policy welcome, but not required. Candidates must have earned a PhD in Political Science or related discipline by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter. A record of excellence in teaching is highly desirable. Key Job Responsibilities: • Advise students on academic direction and career opportunities within the field of study • Deliver engaging and effective instruction in varied modalities and assess student performance • Develop and design curriculum and instructional material reflecting contemporary best practices in pedagogy • Mentor students in individual research projects or in pursuit of internship or work experiences. • Collaborate closely with faculty and staff across the college to design and implement dynamic, effective teaching strategies that foster student engagement and learning. • Provide extensive in-person engagement for students through office hours, advising, and participation in college activities • Contribute to the intellectual life of the community and the profession • Develop and maintain an active research agenda that contributes to the discipline and enhances the reputation of the program and university. • Conduct scholarly research and/or professional work appropriate for tenure Department: School of Public Affairs and Education Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience Required Qualifications: • Demonstrated Expertise in Comparative Politics • Ability to teach a range of classes contributing to the Political Science Program, including quantitative methodology. • Demonstrated scholarly, research, or creative activity appropriate for tenure-track appointment • Commitment to experiential pedagogy and student-centered learning • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic environment. Preferred Qualifications: • Peer-reviewed publications or funded research • Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching undergraduate courses and mentoring undergraduate students Education: • Ph.D in Political Science or a closely related field by August 2027 How to Apply: Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application: • Letter of application • Curriculum vita • Teaching statement • Research statement • Transcripts (official or photocopy) • Three current letters of recommendation (can also be sent to recruitment@uwosh.edu) OR contact information for 3 professional references *Please use your application materials to speak to each of the qualifications for this position as listed above. Be sure to describe your relevant experience and areas of expertise, using specific examples from your work and education history. Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process. Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application, you will not be able to go into the system and change them. To Ensure Consideration: Applications received by the end of the day on 10/20/2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. Contact Information: For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at recruitment@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166 Work Authorization Unless otherwise indicated in the job posting, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. UW Oshkosh is not an e-verify employer; therefore, STEM extensions are not options for work authorization. Legal Notices: Reasonable Accommodations UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hroffice@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/ , or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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