Lecturer in Political Science

About Wenzhou-Kean University 

Along with NYU Shanghai and Duke University Kunshan, Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) is one of only three full legal-person Sino-American universities with all English instruction approved by the Ministry of Education in China. 

WKU sits on approximately 500 beautiful acres and currently enrolls 5,100 undergraduate and graduate students. It is now in the midst of rapid growth that will bring enrollment to 7,000 students within the next three years. All instruction at WKU is in English, and the curriculum is provided by Kean University and adapted to the needs of the local student population. In addition to its current 18 undergraduate programs, WKU has been approved by the Ministry of Education to offer 8 Master’s and 3 doctorate programs. 

Wenzhou is one of the most vibrant and economically developed cities on China's East Coast, located one hour by plane and just over three hours by high-speed train from Shanghai.   

About the Job:

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Wenzhou-Kean University invites applications for a faculty position in Political Science at the rank of Lecturer. The Political Science program at WKU offers a comprehensive approach to understanding both global and domestic political dynamics, with a focus on International Relations, Political Economy, and American Studies. Our current faculty consists of two Assistant Professors and a full-time Lecturer, each with expertise in a variety of areas. We offer a minor in Political Science with over 30 students and provide elective courses for students from other disciplines.  

We are seeking candidates at the Lecturer rank with either academic or policy expertise, demonstrated through their professional experience or research interests, and extensive teaching experience. Given our current faculty’s focus on East Asian politics and strategies, European politics, and international political economy, we aim to complement this expertise by adding a faculty member specializing in American politics and electoral systems. 

Successful candidates should be prepared to diversify their course offerings. They are expected to teach introductory undergraduate courses, including Introduction to Politics, American Government and Politics, Introduction to Comparative Politics, as well as upper-level electives. Experience in second-language education is an added value. 

In addition to teaching, faculty are expected to contribute to the growth of the Political Science program, including, but not limited to curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment and advising, office hours, senior project supervision, and internship opportunities.  

All ranks are full-time assignments, effective for the start of the Fall 2025 semester. The position is appointed on a 3-year contract at the first instance. A 3-year reappointment is subject to evaluation. As such, your service and duty in this position do not count, either in whole or in part, towards the achievement of a tenure.  

A Lecturer is a full-time, 10 or 11-month employee who teaches 30 or 39 credits per year, respectively, and provides student and learning support services during the assigned period. Lecturers will be expected to provide high quality teaching, student advising, learning support services, and service to the university and professional community; and perform related work as required. 

Faculty position at WKU offer:

Annual salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience with the range from $63000-$70,000 for Lecturer. A well-rounded healthcare coverage, academic travel up to $2,000, housing options and subsidy up to $3,000, home traveling up to $6,000 (2 international round-trip airfares), a reimbursement to cover relocation expenses up to $1,000, shuttle bus to campus for work, and up to 8% front-load retirement benefits within accordance with completion of years of service with the University. WKU tuition waiver up to 50% for spouse/dependent children of faculty for undergraduate programs, and tuition discount of private/international kindergarten, elementary, middle and high schools for children of faculty. The opportunity to teach high quality students with more than 60% of WKU graduates being admitted to the graduate programs of highly ranked universities globally.

Qualifications

A PhD in Political Science or a related field is required. ABD will be considered with completion prior to the effective date of employment. Ideally a minimum of two years of teaching experience in a college or university setting is Preferred. Native English proficiency is required. 

Application Instructions

Applicants are REQUIRED to apply online. To receive full consideration by the search committee, candidates need to submit the following documents. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts for all degrees and three current letters of recommendation are required before appointment. 

Background Screening:

Wenzhou-Kean University conducts background screenings on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings.