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A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

As the largest unit on campus, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the Carolina experience. The College consists of 43 academic departments and curricula and numerous programs, centers and institutes. It is home to more than 18,000 undergraduate students, including all of the University's first-year and second-year students. About 2,300 graduate students study and teach in the College.

Endorsed by the Board of Trustees on January 30, 2020, Carolina Next: Innovations for the Public Good, the strategic plan for the University includes Initiative 5, 'Promote Democracy.' Objective 5.2 is to 'work constructively across differences in society, starting by promoting respect and listening.' Here several strategic opportunities are listed to support the goal of 'build[ing] the capacity to engage constructively across differences with evidence, intellectual humility, and respect' - including to 'develop the Communication Beyond Carolina capacity requirements in the IDEAs in Action General education Curriculum' and 'conceptualize and develop the UNC Program for Public Discourse, emphasizing respectful dialogue in classes and public events.' Objective 5.3 calls for exploration of the relationship between 'humanity's highest purposes' and democratic life.

In 2019, UNC-CH formed the Program for Public Discourse ( PPD), recognizing that the complex nature of the pressing issues of our day require reasoned debate rooted in a strong foundation of basic knowledge and a spirit of open intellectual inquiry. In 2023, to fulfill the 'democratic competencies' goals of Carolina Next (5.2-3) and in light of increased pressures and challenges facing our democracy, the Board of Trustees identified the need for degree-oriented programs in the area of Civic Life and Leadership and resolved that the campus accelerate development of a School of Civic Life and Leadership. Subsequently an ad hoc faculty committee refined plans for an interdisciplinary, degree-granting unit within the College of Arts and Sciences. In September 2023, SCiLL was established by the Provost and an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. In October 2023, the inaugural faculty, representing Communication, English and Comparative Literature, History, Music, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Political Science, and Psychology and Neuroscience Departments within the College, was appointed, and an interim Director and Dean named.

The School of Civic Life and Leadership is recruiting for an open rank, tenure-track faculty position in American Politics. We seek candidates whose research and teaching focus on American Political Development, American Institutions, and/or American Political Thought. The methodological approach is open; we welcome scholars employing qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches. The successful candidate will contribute to the School's mission of fostering rigorous inquiry into American civic life, democratic institutions, and the foundations of American politics. We are interested in scholars who can bridge historical, comparative, and contemporary questions about American political development and institutional change.

More specifically, we seek scholars whose research illuminates enduring questions about constitutional design, institutional evolution, political conflict and consensus, the relationship between ideas and institutions, or the historical roots of contemporary political challenges. Candidates may study any period of American political history, from the founding era to the present day. Our interest in institutions areas is broad and inclusive, encompassing national institutions such as Congress, the presidency, and the courts, as well as federalism, state politics, local governance, and the relationships among different levels of government.

The successful candidate will offer courses focused on fostering productive dialogue across difference in the classroom, and work across disciplines to help SCiLL build bridges to advance students in their studies and careers. Candidates will be required to teach two courses per semester, pursue an active research agenda, participate actively the life of the School and the University, and have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. by the start date.

We will review applications in 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Early application is encouraged.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D or its equivalent, such as a D.Phil., in a related field by July 1, 2026. For candidates with legal backgrounds, a J.D. may suffice.

Previous undergraduate teaching experience.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.