Assistant Professor of Environmental Politics

Northwestern University is hiring a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Environmental Politics, starting September 1, 2025. The position seeks candidates with expertise in environmental and climate politics, particularly within American politics, though comparative and international perspectives are welcome. Responsibilities include teaching, research, mentoring students, and engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or be ABD by Fall 2025, showcasing research productivity and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Applications are due by October 20.
About the position

The Department of Political Science at Northwestern University is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Environmental Politics, with an expected start date of September 1, 2025. This position is designed for scholars who can contribute to the understanding of environmental politics, broadly defined, and particularly those with expertise in American politics. However, the department is also open to candidates whose research encompasses environmental and climate politics from comparative or international perspectives. The department values a diverse range of methodological approaches, including behavioral, institutional, state/local, political economy, and historical perspectives. Successful candidates will be expected to establish strong connections with the Environmental Policy and Culture program and engage with a cross-disciplinary group of scholars at Northwestern who study the interactions between social and human environments across various social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions. The role will involve contributing to a growing curriculum at both undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing the importance of teaching and mentoring students. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of research productivity and a commitment to excellence in teaching, particularly in promoting inclusion within their research, teaching, and service activities. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package, including a curriculum vitae, cover letter, writing sample, research statement, teaching statement, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation. Additionally, candidates are invited to provide a statement that addresses their past and potential contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through their work. The position requires a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, although ABD candidates who expect to complete their doctorate by Fall 2025 will also be considered. The review of applications will begin on October 15 and will continue until the position is filled, with priority given to applications received by October 20.

Responsibilities
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Environmental Politics.
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• Conduct and publish high-quality research in the field of Environmental Politics.
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• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in their academic and professional development.
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• Contribute to the development of the curriculum in Environmental Politics and related fields.
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• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments and programs at Northwestern University.
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• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching, and service activities.

Requirements
• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Political Science or a related field (ABD candidates nearing completion will be considered).
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• Demonstrated research productivity in Environmental Politics or related areas.
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• Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring students.
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• Experience or interest in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic settings.

Nice-to-haves
• Expertise in American politics as it relates to environmental issues.
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• Experience with interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
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• Strong record of teaching effectiveness and innovative teaching methods.

Benefits
• Competitive health care plans.
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• Retirement benefits.
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• Tuition discounts for employees and their families.