Tenure Track - Assistant Professor in the Intersection of Public Opinion and Policy 

The Department of Political Science at the University of Iowa invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor with a research focus at the intersection of public opinion and public policy. The Department welcomes applications from candidates in any subfield whose research examines how public attitudes shape policy and governance, or how public policy, in turn, influences public opinion.  

Examples of such research include studying the effect of public opinion—directly or as a precursor to other conditions—on the policy process, proposals, or outcomes; policy representation; policymaking institutions; comparative governance and policy; or officials' policy positions. Other examples include studying how government policy affects public opinion through feedback effects, the mobilization of social movements or organized interests, or institutional effects that shape participation and preferences. 

Candidates must be able to teach graduate and undergraduate courses related to public opinion and/or policy. Preference will be given to candidates who use quantitative or mixed methods. Preference will also be given to candidates who can contribute to teaching needs in Comparative Politics.   

Candidates should clearly describe their research and teaching interests in their letter of application and explain how their work fits into the intersection of public opinion and policy. Applicants should also include a CV, research statement, teaching statement, writing sample, teaching evaluations, and three letters of recommendation.  

The position will begin on August 18, 2027. The appointment requires a Ph.D. in Political Science or related field, which should be received by the start date. The review of applicants will begin September 8, 2026.  

How to Apply:

For information on how to apply, please visit http://jobs.uiowa.edu/ and reference Requisition #76004. Electronic attachments to the online application include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, writing sample, teaching evaluations and information for 3 letters of reference. Questions can be directed to polisci@uiowa.edu. 

For more information regarding the Department of Political Science at the University of Iowa please review: https://politicalscience.uiowa.edu

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

• PhD in Political Science or related field by start date.

• Primary research specialization at the intersection of public opinion and public policy.


• Primary teaching specialization related to public opinion and/or public policy. 

• Ability to contribute to graduate and undergraduate teaching in Comparative Politics. 


• Demonstrated potential for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals and/or academic presses. 


• Demonstrated quantitative or mixed-methods research skills. 


• Ability to be an effective instructor.