Assistant Professor in Political Science

Augusta University’s Department of Social Sciences invites applicants for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor for its PhD program in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy. This position will begin in August 2026. We seek an individual to teach courses in the PhD program as well as our Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) and to implement an active research agenda in Intelligence/Cyber, Defense, and Security Studies. Candidates must have a PhD in Political Science/International Relations/Security Studies/Intelligence and a broad concentration in security, national defense, and conflict.Preferred candidates will have a focus in cybersecurity strategy and policy; cybersecurity policy norms and ethics; and intelligence analysis ethics and norms. Candidates should demonstrate potential for excellence in research, including writing and securing grants, and a strong commitment to teaching, including an interest in online instruction. Please see Augusta University Promotion and Tenure website in the Shift/Salary/Benefits section of this posting.

• Teach courses in the Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy PhD program.
• Teach courses in our Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS).
• Implement an active research agenda in Cyber, Intelligence, and Security Studies.
• Participate in shared governance of the department, college, and university as assigned.

PhD in Intelligence Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, or a related field (completed and conferred by start of hire, August 1, 2026).

Assistant Professor– Terminal degree (or nearing its completion), or its equivalent in training, ability, and/or experience.

Required faculty employment qualifications for all USG institutions and all academic ranks within these institutions shall be:

• Consistent with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)’s requirements for institutional accreditation;
• Evidence of ability as a teacher;
• Evidence of activity as a scholar and ability in all other duties assigned;
• Successful experience (which will necessarily be waived for those just entering the academic profession who meet all other requirements); and,
• Desirable personal qualities judged on the basis of personal interview, complete biographical data, and recommendations.

• Established record or demonstrated potential for high-quality, original scholarship that is appropriate to the discipline and shows promise of continuation.
• Ability to teach graduate-level coursework in the Department’s PhD program, especially related to Cybersecurity Policy, Strategy, and/or Cyber norms/ethics.
• Research/teaching/experience with Artificial Intelligence.
• Research/teaching/experience with Technology and International Security
• Research/teaching/experience with Ethics and Norms in Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
• Experience with research methods, data analytics, and/or machine-learning
• Experience teaching in person and online
• Grant writing experience or potential/willingness for grant writing.

This position is academic year based and typically works August through May, depending on dates outlined in offer letter and yearly contract.

The intended work commitment or full-time equivalent (FTE) for this position is 1.0.

Assistant Professor– Salary and compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and achievements. The salary is subject to availability of funds.

Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, sick leave, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more!

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.

Rank and salary are determined at the time of hire and are based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, education, credentials, specialty, training, etc. while also considering internal equity and market data.

Advancement through the faculty ranks at Augusta University is only through the annual Promotion and Tenure process in which faculty may apply if eligible (typically five-year increments). For more information on ranks, please review the Augusta University Promotion and Tenure website:https://www.augusta.edu/faculty-affairs/promotionandtenure.php

The Department of Social Sciences is the academic home to over 500 students in undergraduate degree programs in Political Science, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Health, Society, and Policy, Nonprofit Leadership and Administration, and Social Work; MPA and MAISS. Our PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy has over 40 students. Our MA-Intelligence and Security Studies program, has over 70 current students.

The department is located on the beautiful and historic Summerville campus in a building with newly remodeled classrooms. The city of Augusta is home to the US Army’s Cyber Command at Fort Gordon and the world-renowned Masters Golf Tournament and is the birthplace of music icon James Brown. Nestled along the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta is located approximately 2.5 hours from the cosmopolitan amenities of Atlanta and Charlotte, as well as the outdoor beauty of several beaches and mountains.