Applicants should send a cover letter that includes description(s) of their proposed course(s), as well as a draft syllabus for each proposed course.  Applicants proposing courses in the following subject areas will be favored: US Legislative Process (POLSCI 322) and Courts, Judges, and Controversies (POLSCI 313) Applicants may also propose one or more courses of their own chosen heading using the POLSCI 389/489 description below.

Applicants able to teach courses from perspectives informed by political science scholarship will be favored. Please indicate in your cover letter the range of political science literature on which your courses draw.

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

The Department of Political Science in the College of Literature, Science and Arts at the University of Michigan is a LEO Lecturer I lecturer to teach up to three courses during the Fall 2026 Semester in American Politics. An applicant can apply to teach up to three courses maximum. The duration of this appointment would be from August 26, 2026 - December 31, 2026.  The appointment effort would be 33% for one course (not benefits eligible), 67% for two courses (benefits eligible), and 100% for three courses (benefits eligible).

Responsibilities for each position include preparation and management, teaching, and appropriate follow-up of upper-level, undergraduate courses, in accordance with University of Michigan, College of Literature, Science, and Arts guidelines and policies. In addition to classroom-teaching responsibilities, the instructor's duties will include holding office hours for students, providing appropriate syllabus and course materials electronically, attending regular course meetings, and handling routine course-related administrative matters, in accordance with U-M and LSA guidelines and policies.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or advanced graduate training in political science.

Someone who enjoys teaching, who likes undergraduate students, and who has good interpersonal and communication skills.

POLSCI 313. This is a course about evaluating how well American courts work. Students learn how to critically read and assess contemporary quantitative empirical research on American courts and judges. Once students are confident and skilled in digesting empirical research, they compare the current performance of courts and judges to their own ideal and the ideals of the American founders.

POLSCI 322. Through a close study and political-science analysis of Congress, its history, and its members, we will learn about power - where it comes from, how to get it, and what you can do with it. In the process, we will gain an appreciation for why members of Congress behave the way they do, what purpose the institution's seemingly bizarre rules and precedents serve, and the essential role Congress plays in our system of government.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Questions about applying for this position can be emailed to: joecjohn@umich.edu.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.