Job Details

Professor of Political Science (2 positions)

Position Number: 6756844
Location: Merced, CA
Position Type: Liberal Arts - Political Science

Professor of Political Science (2 positions)

Salary: $72,387.00 - $96,951.00 Annually
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20251135
Closing: 1/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: Merced College, CA
Department:

Merced College is seeking two passionate educators to provide students with a rigorous, engaging academic experience and contribute to the growth of our Political Science program on campus and in Rising Scholars. As a faculty member, you will develop and teach courses in areas such as American government, political theory, international relations, and public policy. You'll inspire critical thinking, promote civic engagement, and help students understand and navigate today's complex political landscape. As members of our collaborative social sciences cohort, you will provide critical academic support to students earning transfer degrees and preparing for further education.
We are seeking an engaging educator committed to student success in various learning modalities: in-person, online, and hybrid formats. The standard teaching load is 15 units per semester, which may include evening and variable hours. One member will serve primarily campus students but might have opportunities for teaching in Dual Enrollment or Rising Scholars. The other will have a primary teaching assignment within our Rising Scholars Prison Education program, with additional opportunities with campus populations and Dual Enrollment. The Merced College Rising Scholars program serves currently incarcerated students at two State Institutions: Valley State Prison and Central California Women's Facility, along with Juvenile Hall and the United States Federal Penitentiary (Atwater). The successful candidate will bring a passion for this marginalized student population and must pass a background check with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Join a collaborative and innovative academic community where your expertise and passion can make a lasting impact. At Merced College, we're committed to empowering students and transforming lives through education. If you're ready to help shape the future of political education in the Central Valley, we encourage you to apply today!
As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college - we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.

Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.

If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.

Merced College Mission
At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.

Merced College Vision

Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:

Degree/Certificate Programs
Transfer
Career Technical Education
Workforce Training
Lifelong Learning
Basic Skills
Community Engagement

Merced College promoters student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.

Salary Schedule:

*Position's initial maximum salary placement is $96,951*

All successful candidates with doctorates will receive both the two step placement and the doctoral stipend
General Description:
This is a full-time, tenure track instructional assignment under the general direction of the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences. The professor will teach a variety of courses. The specific mix of teaching assignments will vary from semester to semester. The standard teaching load is 15 units per semester, which may include face-to-face, distance education, evening and weekend hours.

Examples of Duties

Provide innovative and effective instruction in accordance with current pedagogy and established course outlines and expectations
Inform students about course requirements, evaluation procedures and attendance policies and maintain regular and substantive contact with students
Maintain and submit required student attendance and scholastic records on the Learning Management System (e.g. grades and syllabi)
Utilize the Learning Management System to deliver, prepare, and grade class assignments and examinations
Maintain and utilize effective skills in instructional design, applications, and methods
Post and maintain regular office hours in accordance with prevailing policy
Participate in the development and review of curriculum
Participate in the development of teaching-learning methods and materials
Participate in departmental, area, and campus professional activities/committees
Represent the college within the Merced community and within professional circles
Participate in the college's learning outcomes assessment program, including course, program, and institutional assessments to continually improve student learning outcomes

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's in political science, government, or international relations

Bachelor's in any of the above AND Master's in economics, history, public administration, social science, sociology, and any ethnic studies, Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.) or Legum Baccalaureus (LL.B.)

the equivalent
Promote and incorporate culturally affirming DEIA and anti-racist principles to nurture and create a respectful, inclusive, and equitable learning and work environment. In conducting their duties, staff members shall respect and acknowledge the diversity of students and colleagues.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd/promotionaljobs.

Required Documentation:

Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
Resume
Legible, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe how your professional experience would contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.
If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization
If applicable, equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) http://www.mccd.edu/offices/hr/jobs/eqforms.html

Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.

Interview Information:
Applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.
Interviews tentatively scheduled the week of January 26, 2026

Employee Benefits:
Employee Benefits: Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.

Condition of Employment:
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.

Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/jobs/5155290/professor-of-political-science-2-positions