The International Studies Program at Fairfield University seeks a nine-month Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) in International Studies. This is a one-year appointment starting September 2025.
The Program seeks to hire an interdisciplinary faculty member who specializes in international politics, international political economy, and/or social and political theories, and focuses on an area that complements existing offerings in the program, with a particular interest in either development, migration, global security, peace and conflict studies and/or humanitarianism. Candidates with a regional focus on the Middle East and East Asia are especially welcome. The new faculty member will teach courses in their area of specialization along with Introduction to International Relations and People, Places, and Global Issues, that bridge political, cultural, and historical perspectives. The successful candidate should demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, to fostering critical engagement with global challenges, and to inspiring students to understand the complexities of international dynamics in these regions.
This position carries a 4-4 teaching load, normally three courses in the International Studies Program and one course in the Politics department per semester. Selected candidates will engage in department and Program meetings, committees, and special project work to further the goals of the Program.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Applicants are expected to have a PhD in either International Relations, International Studies, Global Studies or a closely related field (preferred by August 31,2025). Exceptional ABD candidates who are very close to PhD conferral may also be considered.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
The successful candidate for this position will: 1) be committed to exceptional teaching at the introductory level and upper-level undergraduate courses in their specialty and; 2) support the established undergraduate programs and activities within the International Studies Program and Politics department.
Special Notes to Applicants
Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on transcripts and other documentation as required.
This is a one-year appointment starting September 1, 2025.
Application review will begin on March 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please click “https://ffd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/EmploymentOpportunities/details/Visiting-Assistant-Professor–Politics-and-International-Studies_JR0002548” and upload the following materials as an Adobe PDF document including:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vita
- Teaching Philosophy – Statement of Teaching Philosophy describing teaching interests including a list of potential course offerings, a plan for actively engaging students in field-based or methods courses, and how issues of diversity shape the applicant’s working practices, past and planned.
- Examples of syllabi and teaching evaluations if applicable
- Unofficial graduate transcript
- Contact information for a minimum of three references
Note that letters of application without the requested components will not meet the application requirements.
References will be requested during the screening process.
Please direct questions concerning the search to Dr. Alfred Babo, Chair Visiting Assistant Professor Search Committee, at [email protected].
Information on the Program
The International Studies Program at Fairfield University draws from a group of interdisciplinary faculty, practitioners, and students from many parts of the world with a commitment to thinking critically about global challenges, promoting social justice, and engaging in service. Students have opportunities to pursue a major or minor in International Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences or an innovative co-curricular program major in International Business. International Business students must earn a complementary major or minor in the Dolan School of Business. The core of the program is the same for both International Studies and International Business. The Program seeks to heighten global awareness in the ways we situate ourselves geographically, and encounter conflict, gender, race, class, nationality, the environment, and economic development.
University Information
Fairfield University is a Jesuit, Catholic institution, with consistent top ranking for its undergraduate teaching excellence with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and ranked among the Best Jesuit Colleges and Universities in the United States. It is located in the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT, one hour from New York City along Long Island Sound. Our five Colleges and Professional Schools enroll approximately 5,000 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students, developing intellectual potential and fostering ethical values in the Jesuit tradition that includes an explicit commitment to social justice and to religious and cultural pluralism. We welcome differences in race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
