Full Time Tenure-Track position in Political Theory

Faculty/Academic Area: Faculty of Arts 

Department: Political Science 

Campus: Waterloo 

Employee Group: WLUFA 

Requisition ID: 10628 

Tenure-track appointment in the field of political theory in the Department of Political Science and North American Studies.

The Department of Political Science and North American Studies invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level in the field of political theory beginning July 1, 2026, subject to budgetary approval. In addition to the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program, the successful candidate may also contribute to our North American Studies, Master of Applied Politics, and Laurier BA/Sussex LLB programs.

Anticipated Salary Range: $90K to $110K.  Actual salary to be commensurate with experience.

Qualifications for the position include a PhD in Political Science (or equivalent) with a concentration in political theory by the date of appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to teach political theory courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, including PO237 Pathways to Modern Politics. In addition, preference will be given to those with teaching and/or research specialization in such areas as law, settler colonialism, Indigenous worldviews and politics, non-western political thought, and/or critical approaches (e.g., gender, race, disability studies). Experience with policy practice, community engagement and/or experiential learning would be an asset. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with level of career development.

Applicants should submit: a letter of application (addressed to Dr. Christopher G. Anderson, Chair, Department of Political Science and North American Studies), curriculum vitae, teaching dossier or other evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., statement of teaching philosophy/interests, up to two sample syllabi, course evaluations – maximum 30 pages), a research statement (maximum 2 pages), up to two samples of written work, and the names and contact information for three referees who can speak to the candidate’s teaching, scholarship, and service qualifications.

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Click on the APPLY NOW button at top/bottom-right. 

Electronic submission of applications will be accepted until March 20, 2026, 11:59 PM

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Academic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@wlu.ca. Candidates from other equity-deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity and Accessibility at equity@wlu.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obligated to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenships; however, all applicants must include one of the following statements in their cover letter:

Yes, I am a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada;

No, I am not a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Members of designated groups must self-identify to be considered for employment equity. Candidates may self-identify, in confidence, to Dr. Sofie Lachapelle, Dean of Arts (slachapelle@wlu.ca). Further information on the equity policy can be found at https://www.wlu.ca/about/governance/assets/resources/8.4-employment-equity.html

Applicants are encouraged to address any career interruptions or special circumstances that may have affected their record of research and teaching, in accordance with SSHRC and NSERC definitions and guidelines. To obtain a copy of this job description in an accessible format, please contact Renee Ellis reellis@wlu.ca.

The Department of Political Science and North American Studies wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. All applications shall be reviewed and considered under a set of criteria established by the Search Committee, and a shortlist of candidates shall be interviewed. Only those applicants selected for the shortlist will be contacted.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a CV and letter of introduction will be required in electronic form.