The Politics Department at Bates College invites applications for a four-course (0.8-FTE) visiting lectureship in judicial politics in the United States, to begin July 2026. Candidates who can also contribute a course on public policy are encouraged to apply. We seek an outstanding scholar with a strong commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching and mentorship in a liberal arts context. We are open to a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches.
The position carries a four-course teaching load as well as advising up to four one-semester senior theses during the year. We are interested in applicants who will add to the current perspectives in the department, contribute to the college’s ongoing commitment to social and cultural diversity and inclusion, and be attentive to the design of inclusive pedagogy.
Bates students come from a diversity of educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, and we are committed to each student’s success. Candidates should share evidence of their skills and experience supporting a diverse student body in their teaching and research statements. We encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalized groups and from those who may have followed non-traditional pathways to higher education due to societal, economic, or academic circumstances.
Bates College is a residential liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine—a diverse and growing community roughly 45 minutes from Portland, the state’s largest city, 2 ½ hours north of Boston, and 4 ½ hours south of Montreal. Visiting faculty’s scholarship and creative work at Bates are robustly supported with access to competitive internal grant opportunities, and a well-staffedexternal grants office Support for developing Community-engaged learning courses through the Harward Center and pedagogical development and innovation is further buttressed by theCenter for Inclusive Teaching and Learning
Educational access and racial justice are central to Bates’ history and mission and ourfaculty-led initiatives reflect this commitment
Candidates should have received or successfully defended a Ph.D. in Political Science or related field by July 1, 2026.
Review of applications will begin on February 15, 2026. Applications should include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae. A teaching statement that describes how the applicant meets Bates’ standards of excellence in terms of inclusive and evidence-based pedagogy is required as well as one sample syllabus that includes a course description, learning objectives, sample readings, and a description of methods of assessment. The search committee will request letters of recommendation from three referees for short-listed candidates. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree.
Bates College is committed to equal opportunity and to providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment of its faculty and staff. Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations. All college faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.
Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504), and complaints may be directed to the Title IX Officer, Gwen Lexow at 207-786-6445 or titleix@bates.edu.
