Assistant Professor - Comparative Public Policy or Governance (tenure-track)

About the Role Bowdoin College’s Department of Government and Legal Studies invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty appointment in comparative public policy or governance at the Assistant Professor level, beginning July 1, 2027. We seek candidates whose research involves the law or regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) or the use of AI in policy-making; comparative research across countries or policy areas is a plus. The successful candidate will teach two courses per semester across a range of offerings, including participation in the rotation of the department’s introductory course in comparative politics or international relations. Bowdoin is particularly interested in candidates dedicated to undergraduate teaching and with a promise of long-term successful research. A Ph.D. in political science or related fields is expected by the date of the appointment. Bowdoin’s Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity aims to critically examine, thoughtfully utilize, and ethically guide AI’s trajectory. A $50 million gift by Reed Hastings funds ten new faculty positions – including this position – across disciplines; supports faculty in AI-related teaching, research, and creative work; sponsors workshops, symposia, and student research; and prepares the next generation of leaders to engage responsibly with the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. What You'll Do

• Teach two courses per semester across a range of offerings, including participation in the rotation of the department’s introductory course in comparative politics or international relations.
• Develop and maintain an active research program focusing on AI law/regulation or AI in policy-making, with a preference for comparative work across countries or policy areas.
• Contribute to undergraduate teaching and mentoring, with a track record or promise of long-term scholarly productivity.
• Engage with Bowdoin’s Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity to integrate AI-focused teaching, research, and responsible engagement into your work.
• Participate in department service and help foster an inclusive learning environment. What We're Looking For
• Ph.D. in political science or related field by July 1, 2027.
• Research interests in AI law/regulation or AI in policy-making; comparative cross-country or cross-policy area is a plus.
• Commitment to undergraduate teaching and to building an inclusive learning environment for a diverse student population.
• Evidence of potential for long-term successful research and scholarly productivity.
• Willingness to teach two courses per semester and participate in the introductory course rotation.
• Application materials: cover letter describing research; curriculum vitae; teaching philosophy including inclusive pedagogy; writing sample; and the names and contact information for three references, who will be contacted automatically upon submission.
• Review of applications will begin September 21, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a satisfactory background check. Compensation & Benefits
• Bowdoin offers opportunities for professional development, a fully-funded, year-long pre-tenure sabbatical leave (after three years of teaching and successful reappointment), and regular, generously funded, post-tenure sabbaticals.
• Support for teaching, grant submission, computing software, and community partnerships in courses is available. The Hastings Initiative funds AI-related teaching, research, and collaborations across disciplines.
• The College also offers mentoring networks and resources to enhance professional growth.
• The College provides access to AI-related programming and resources through the Hastings Initiative and related initiatives.