George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs

The Security Policy Studies (SPS) Program invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor beginning June 2023.

Position Description Summary:

The Security Policy Studies (SPS) Program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C invites applications for the position of Visiting Assistant Professor of Security Policy Studies beginning June 2023. SPS is a policy-oriented master’s degree program focusing on international security issues, with a particular emphasis on 21^st century security challenges and how to respond to them. Students enroll in one of our 4 concentrations: U.S. national security, transnational security, conflict resolution, and science and technology. Students take cornerstone courses in international security and security policy analysis, and other foundational courses in their field of concentration in small classes with cohort faculty members in spring, fall, and summer semesters.

The SPS Program has approximately 240 students. The finalist will teach classes serving the SPS curriculum and will report to the SPS Program Director and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Elliott School. They will work to integrate co-curricular offerings and activities to enhance the academic experiences of all SPS students. The Visiting Assistant Professor will also have program-focused service responsibilities in the role, as instructor, academic mentor, and advisor to students in the SPS Program, helping students navigate their graduate experience from the first year and beyond. They will also participate in SPS information sessions for prospective students and participate in other campus-related events.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach graduate courses in science and technology, transnational security, economic security (with a focus on trade wars, sanctions and embargoes), or security studies related matters.  We welcome applicants familiar with non-conventional security studies, including cybersecurity, climate security, transnational security in the Global South, cryptocurrencies and organized crime, and other emerging topics.

This is a term-limited, nonrenewable appointment of 12 months, from June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024.

George Washington University’s culture reflects its shared values, including respect and diversity. The Elliott School recognizes that diversity and social mobility are among our country’s greatest assets in engaging the rest of the world; we are deeply committed as a school to fostering an inclusive community. To this end, we encourage candidates from diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups. The selected candidate will be expected to support inclusive excellence, including inclusive teaching. To learn more about the Elliott School’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit elliott.gwu.edu/diversity-and-inclusion.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities: The effort breakdown for the position is 80% teaching, 20% administration/service. The teaching component includes six graduate courses during Fall (3) and Spring (3) semesters, which can include online instruction, in-person classes, or a combination of online/in-person instruction. Administrative work and service includes academic advising, course scheduling and planning, and helping organize curricular events.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have excellent teaching skills as demonstrated by student evaluations, experience teaching and advising students at the graduate level, and a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in the classroom. They must hold a doctorate or equivalent degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Political Economy or a related field by date of appointment; ABD applicants will be considered but must complete all requirements for the doctorate by date of appointment.

Advertised Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience but will not exceed $110,000

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply, please complete the online application at https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/99641. Applicants should submit a CV; a statement of teaching objectives and methods (upload under Statement of Teaching Interest); evidence of effective teaching (upload under Course Evaluations); DEI diversity statement (upload under Other Documents); and names of three references. Applicants should also submit a cover letter that includes a statement of interest in the SPS Program and discusses contributions to teaching, mentorship, and/or professional engagement.
Letters of recommendation are not required for application but will be requested for final candidates.
Candidates who are invited for an interview will be expected to give a teaching demonstration on a topic. Review of applications will begin on March 27, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.

Background Screening: Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement: The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.