Postdoctoral Fellow in Political Science
St. Olaf CollegeThe Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community (IFC) at St. Olaf College invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship for scholars doing innovative work that deepens our understanding of political theory and/or comparative politics focused on contemporary challenges in politics, markets, and society.
The post-doctoral fellow will be appointed to the Political Science department at the college. Post-Doctoral Fellows will teach three courses per year through their home department at the college, pursue their own scholarly research, participate in various IFC-sponsored events on campus, and contribute through their teaching and scholarly activities to public affairs education on campus. This is a two-year fellowship, beginning August 17, 2026. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Salary: $60,000 - $65,000
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Political Science or a discipline related to public policy/public affairs, completed by the time of appointment, is required.
About the Institute for Freedom and Community
Established at St. Olaf in 2014, The Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community (https://institute.stolaf.edu/) is an interdisciplinary institute seeking to promote constructive dialogue and meaningful debate on important American political and social issues. By exploring diverse ideas about politics, markets, and society, the IFC aims to challenge presuppositions, question easy answers, and foster constructive dialogue among those with differing values and contending points of view.
We strive to be a campus of welcome where students, faculty, and staff thrive by bringing their full humanity—gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, spirituality, and age—to St. Olaf each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity, transparency, trust, cooperation, consensus, respect, and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening, cultivating a growth mindset, respecting those with different views, being informed by data, and understanding that the work is ongoing, collaborative, organic, and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Community and Belonging webpage to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.
How to Apply
A complete application includes the following:
References: Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship.
Supporting Documents and URLS:
- Cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in this particular position
- Curriculum vitae
- Graduate transcripts (unofficial)
- Teaching statement, including evidence of teaching excellence
- Statement of Research interest
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position, department, or college may be directed to Chris Chapp, Morrison Family Director of the Institute for Freedom and Community, chapp@stolaf.edu.