Human Resources

The Lake Forest College Department of Politics and International Relations invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in comparative politics or international relations with a specialization in Latin America to begin August 2025. We seek someone to teach Introduction to Comparative Politics and Introduction to Global Politics; a research methods survey course, required for Politics and International Relations majors, that includes qualitative and/or quantitative methods; and a broad range of other courses in comparative politics or international relations with a focus on Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. While we encourage candidates of all substantive interests to apply, those whose work focuses on issues of human rights, social movements, migration, indigenous communities, or populism are preferred. Additionally, candidates with corollary research and/or teaching interests in the Latinx experience within the domestic United States are particularly encouraged to apply.

Lake Forest College has a rich, interdisciplinary program in Latin American and Latinx Studies to which the successful candidate is expected to contribute significantly. Other interdisciplinary programs include Urban Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies; African American Studies; and Social Justice. We also have an “In the Loop” semester-long residential program in Chicago, as well as many courses emphasizing Chicago history, politics, and its diverse cultures. Lake Forest College’s proximity to Chicago provides an opportunity to use the city as a “laboratory” for student work and research. We are interested in candidates who can contribute to any of these programs. We are especially interested in candidates who can incorporate students into their research programs and want to build a career centered on teaching and advising excellence.

Candidates are expected to have a record of demonstrated teaching excellence and the promise of scholarly productivity. A Ph.D. in political science or a related field is required. (ABD is acceptable if degree is conferred prior to the start of the 25-26 academic year.) Our teaching load is 3/3, with small classes (typically 15-25 students). We support faculty research through the provision of student research assistants and the potential to apply for summer research funds. The successful passage of the third-year review earns a one-semester sabbatical at full pay in the fourth or fifth year of service. Tenure review takes place at the start of the sixth year.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, unofficial graduate transcript, a teaching statement that addresses diversity in a liberal arts setting, sample syllabi, a single sample of scholarly writing, three confidential letters of recommendation, and evidence of teaching effectiveness to James J. Marquardt, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Politics and International Relations at the following email address: latinamericasearch2024@lakeforest.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but must be received by October 1, 2024, to be assured full consideration. 

A highly selective liberal arts college located on Chicago’s North Shore, Lake Forest College enrolls approximately 1,800 students from more than 40 states and from more than 100 countries. Lake Forest is one of the most diverse small colleges in the Midwest with approximately 40% of our student body comprised of domestic students of color and international students. At Lake Forest College, the quality of a faculty member’s teaching is the most important criterion for evaluation. The College also expects peer-reviewed publications and active participation in the College community. Lake Forest College embraces diversity and encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.