Primary Purpose and Essential Functions
The Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor specializing in Public Law, with a start date of Fall 2027. We seek a colleague whose research and teaching center on courts, constitutional law, judicial behavior, and the role of law in U.S. politics. The successful candidate will contribute to a vibrant department with strengths across the major subfields of Political Science. The successful candidate will:
- Teach five (5) courses per year (2-3 or 3-2), most of which will be lower-division courses in public law and U.S. politics and upper-division courses in constitutional law (civil liberties, civil rights, and/or separation of powers) and judicial politics. One of the courses will be within Pacific’s CORE Seminar series.
- Maintain a productive research agenda with promise of peer-reviewed publication.
- Advise students within the department and provide service to the department, college, university, and profession commensurate with rank.
Faculty within the Department have diverse research interests, value high quality teaching, and share a strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Department offers majors in Political Science, Political Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice, and International Studies as well as minors in International Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law Studies, and Public Affairs. For more information about Pacific’s Political Science department, visit: http://www.pacific.edu/Academics/Schools-and-Colleges/College-of-the-Pacific/Academics/Departments-and-Programs/political-science.html
Note:
- This is an in-person role, and the successful candidate must be willing to relocate within California, preferably within 25 miles of the (Stockton) Pacific campus.
- This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.
Pacific offers full-time employees a unique opportunity to live on our beautiful campus at below-market rental rates—helping you save time and money on your commute.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field is required by the time of appointment.
- Evidence of a productive research agenda with promise of peer-reviewed publication is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- We welcome candidates whose work draws on empirical and interpretive approaches to the study of law and courts.
- Substantive areas of specialization may include, but are not limited to, judicial behavior and decision-making, constitutional development, federalism and separation of powers, rights and civil liberties, comparative judicial politics, criminal justice, or the intersection of law and political institutions.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in undergraduate teaching is strongly preferred.
- Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
- Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Hiring Range
$74,000 per year. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer
Special Instructions
Applicants should submit the following:
- A cover letter;
- Curriculum vitae;
- Research statement;
- Teaching philosophy;
- Course syllabi and course evaluations (if available);
- A writing sample (dissertation chapter, conference paper, or published work); and
- Contact information for at least three references or three (3) letters of recommendation under separate cover.
Applications should be submitted through direct link to Pacific’s hiring portal.
The review of applications will begin on September 14, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information
Questions about this position should be directed to the Chair for the Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies, Dr. Dari Tran (dtran1@pacific.edu).
Reference Letter Information
Are Applicants Required to Submit References for This Posting? Yes
Minimum Number of References: 3
Maximum Number of References: 3
Background Check Statement
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.
Anti-Discrimination/EEO Policy Statement
University of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity across backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Pacific does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability, or other legally protected characteristics or combination of such characteristics. While we strive to attract a broad and representative pool of candidates, all hiring decisions are made based on merit, selecting the most qualified individual for each position.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.
