Job Description

Teaching Associate Political Science Established in 1873, Arts and Sciences is Boston University's largest and most academically diverse unit, encompassing over 8,400 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 800 faculty members, and 300 staff across 50 departments, programs, centers, and institutes. Our faculty are award-winning researchers, innovative teachers, and dedicated mentors committed to exploring the complexities of our present and past, uncovering new perspectives, and crafting creative solutions to real-world problems. Our staff are dynamic, mission-driven professionals who foster community, inclusion, and belonging to advance every aspect of the college enterprise. Our community thrives on collaboration, bold ideas, and interdisciplinary exploration. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge that changes the world and provides boundless opportunities to inspire the next generation of leaders. We offer generous benefits, including health, dental, and life insurance, tuition remission, retirement savings, paid time off, and holiday leave. The Department of Political Science seeks a Teaching Associate to support undergraduate instruction and student success across a range of political science courses. This position works closely with faculty to facilitate discussion sections, provide academic support to students, grade assignments and examinations, and assist with course administration. The successful candidate will contribute to student learning through instruction, mentorship, and support in analytical reasoning, quantitative methods, and academic writing. This is a nine-month appointment with regular Boston University benefits. The position typically supports six discussion sections per semester, or the equivalent through student support in quantitative methods and writing instruction. Renewal for an additional year may be possible based on enrollment needs, funding availability, and performance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and prepare up to six discussion sections per semester or provide equivalent support in quantitative methods and writing instruction.
• Review assigned course materials and consult with faculty regarding key concepts, learning objectives, and discussion topics. 
• Facilitate engaging classroom discussions that enhance students' understanding of political science concepts, theories, and methods.
• Grade quizzes, examinations, papers, and other course assignments, providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Attend lectures regularly to remain current with course content and instructional expectations.
• Hold approximately five office hours per week, with additional availability as needed, to answer student questions and provide academic guidance.
• Assist students in developing analytical reasoning, quantitative skills, research methods, and effective written communication.
• Provide administrative support to faculty, including responding to student inquiries, coordinating makeup examinations, and assisting with accommodation-related needs.
• Support an undergraduate student population of approximately 150180 students each semester.

Required Skills

• PhD in Political Science or a closely related field.
• One to three years of relevant teaching, instructional support, mentoring, or academic experience. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex political science concepts effectively to undergraduate students. 
• Experience with quantitative methods and/or teaching research methodology is highly desirable.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Reporting Structure The Teaching Associate reports to the Chair of the Department. 
• While this position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities, it may provide leadership and guidance to teaching fellows or other instructional support personnel.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must submit:

• Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• The cover letter should address the applicant's teaching experience, experience with quantitative methods and/or writing instruction, and interest in supporting undergraduate education in Political Science.
• Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Appointment Details:

• Nine-month academic appointment Regular Boston University benefits.
• Possibility of one-year renewal based on enrollment needs, available funding, and satisfactory performance.
• The Department of Political Science welcomes candidates who are enthusiastic about teaching, student mentorship, and supporting excellence in undergraduate education.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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