The University of Chicago Department of Political Science is inviting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Climate Politics. Based in Chicago, Illinois, this prestigious faculty opportunity offers a competitive annual salary starting from US$119,341, along with comprehensive benefits and the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on climate governance, mitigation, adaptation, and geoengineering.
The appointment begins on or after 1 July 2027 and forms part of a major institutional initiative on climate and sustainable growth.
Summary of the Opportunity
| Institution | University of Chicago |
|---|---|
| Position | Assistant Professor of Political Science |
| Specialization | Climate Politics |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Salary | US$119,341–150,000 per year |
| Contract | Tenure-track (initial 4-year renewable term) |
| Start Date | On or after 1 July 2027 |
| Application Review | Begins 30 days after posting |
| Application Mode | Online via Interfolio |
About the Position
The Department of Political Science seeks an outstanding scholar whose research addresses the political dimensions of climate change. Applicants from any subfield of Political Science are encouraged to apply, provided their work focuses on issues such as:
- Climate mitigation and decarbonization
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Geoengineering governance
- Environmental politics
- Global, national, or local climate policy
The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment that includes the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth and the Climate Systems Engineering Initiative at the University of Chicago.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers an annual salary ranging from US$119,341 to US$150,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Eligible faculty members also receive comprehensive employment benefits, including:
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid annual leave
- University wellness and support programs
- Professional development opportunities
Teaching and Academic Responsibilities
The appointed Assistant Professor will maintain an independent research programme while contributing to teaching and academic service across the university.
Key responsibilities include:
- Teaching approximately four courses per academic year
- Supervising undergraduate and graduate students
- Advising students across degree programmes
- Conducting internationally recognized research
- Serving on departmental and university committees
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary climate research initiatives
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements before the appointment begins:
- Hold a PhD in Political Science or a closely related field
- Complete all doctoral degree requirements before the start date
- Demonstrate a strong and innovative research agenda
- Show potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching
- Contribute to the broader scholarly community through impactful research and collaboration
Researchers working on comparative politics, international relations, public policy, political theory, environmental governance, or related fields are welcome to apply if their scholarship aligns with climate politics.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following through the Interfolio Academic Recruitment system:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Research Statement
- Teaching Statement
- One Writing Sample
- Three confidential letters of recommendation
Applications will remain open until the position is filled, with review beginning after the initial 30-day posting period.
Why Consider the University of Chicago?
The University of Chicago is consistently ranked among the world’s leading research universities and offers exceptional opportunities for early-career faculty. The Department of Political Science is internationally recognized for rigorous scholarship, while its expanding climate initiative creates unique opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration on one of the defining challenges of the 21st century.
This position is particularly attractive for scholars seeking to influence both academic research and real-world climate policy through teaching, public engagement, and collaborative research.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit all required documents through the University of Chicago’s Interfolio Faculty Search application portal before the recruitment process concludes.
