Job Description

The Department of Politics at Occidental College invites applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Comparative Politics with a specialization in East Asian Politics, with appointment to begin August 16, 2027.

The Politics Department is searching for a specialist in Comparative East Asian Politics who will offer an Introductory Comparative Politics course, a course in East Asian Politics (either comparative or country-specific), as well as other courses at multiple levels in their area(s) of specialization. In addition, the new hire will teach required courses that rotate among members of the department (such as Quantitative Research Methods and Senior Comprehensives). We are particularly interested in courses that would meet Core requirements and that would engage with the city and communities of Los Angeles. As necessary, the new hire will contribute to the First-Year Seminar program, which focuses on writing and community-engagement, and the new hire will have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate researchers in Oxy’s renowned Summer Research Program The new hire will have an active research agenda, producing scholarship that is commensurate with the requirements associated with the level of appointment. Finally, the new hire will participate in the life and development of the department, advise students, and serve on broader college-wide committees.

The Politics Department is committed to providing students a program that combines academic rigor and curricular innovation with hands-on experience. Our students study political systems across cultures, evaluate real-world policy challenges, and take part in multiple experiential learning and research opportunities. Our faculty are committed teacher-scholars who bring critical inquiry and discovery into the classroom. They establish themselves as exceptional researchers and practitioners in their fields. They also provide departmental and college-wide service, as well as service to their profession. As a small institution with a commitment to shared governance, faculty across the College collaborate in maintaining the excellence of the College’s academic program.

Located within the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Occidental is committed to a community-engaged curriculum—faculty-designed fieldwork, visits to local museums and cultural organizations, and long-standing partnerships into their courses. Occidental is also committed to undergraduate research, regularly mentoring students in Occidental’s hallmark summer research program For decades, Occidental has been a leader in creating access for a diverse student body. That diversity enriches the education of all students. We seek an innovative teacher, scholar, mentor, and colleague who wishes to work in such an environment and who shares the commitments articulated in the mission of the College

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Political Science with an emphasis in Comparative East Asian Politics or a related field. Applicants must hold PhD by the position start date, August 16, 2027
• Demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching at a small liberal arts college
• Record of/commitment to creating equitable learning opportunities and inclusive pedagogies for a diverse student body, especially for minoritized students
• Ability to teach Introduction to Comparative Politics, courses on East Asian Politics, a Quantitative Research Methods course, and a Senior Comprehensives course
• A strong record of scholarly accomplishments appropriate to the level of appointment
• Ability to develop an active and sophisticated research agenda with potential for growth
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the College

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to teach community-engaged or practice-based courses
• Willingness and ability to mentor undergraduate research
• Experience in or commitment to departmental leadership and management responsibilities (e.g., curricular development, annual assessment, long-term departmental planning, etc.)

Application Instructions

All application materials must be submitted by midnight Eastern time (9:00pm Pacific time) on September 13, 2026.

A complete application includes all of the following:

• CV
• A 2-page maximum Cover Letter that describes your interest in this position at Occidental College, as well as the education, experience, and/or skills you possess that are relevant to the required and preferred qualifications listed above.
• A 2-page maximum Teaching Statement that discusses your pedagogical goals, methods, and practices. Explain how you attempt to engage with students from diverse backgrounds, including how you create an inclusive and equitable learning environment. Discuss the courses you are prepared to teach including brief descriptions. You might include topics, structure, assignments, or other distinguishing features.
• A 2-page maximum Research Statement that describes the major questions or problems you address in your scholarship as well as any methodologies you employ to pursue your inquiries. Explain the contributions your work makes to the discipline and discuss your future research projects and plans.
• List of 3 Recommenders prepared to send Confidential Letters of Reference. The college will request confidential letters from these recommenders for applicants who advance to the semi-finalist phase of the search.

If you have any questions about the position, the application materials, or the application instructions, please contact: Regina Freer at rfreer@oxy.edu or call 323-259-2924. If you have questions about Interfolio or the application process, please contact the Academic Support Administrator, Beatrice Gonzales, at facultysearch@oxy.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Occidental is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Please see Occidental’s Notice of Non-Discrimination

Occidental is strongly committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and just environment within which students, staff, and faculty thrive. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through their work are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Individuals whose life experiences and perspectives are underrepresented in the field are particularly encouraged to apply.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. A conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

As a condition of hire for a staff position and for appointment to a faculty position, Occidental College requires that all candidates who have received a conditional offer of employment complete an application form (if they have not already done so) and consent to a background check. Satisfactory completion of a background check, along with pre-employment verifications and references are required as a condition of employment, but only as permitted by federal, state, and local law.

All offers of employment for United States based positions are contingent upon each applicant providing original documents which certify his or her legal right to work in the United States and the timely completion of an employment eligibility verification form I-9.

Occidental College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with qualifying disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application or employment process, please contact Human Resources ( hr@oxy.edu).