Senior Rank, History of Political Thought

The Department of History at Stanford University invites applications for a senior faculty appointment (with tenure) at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor in the history of political thought and institutions, broadly construed. We welcome historians whose research examines (but is not limited to): citizenship and civic belonging; political rights and representation; democracy and its alternatives; revolutions; constitutions and institutions of governance; elections, parties, and political movements; state formation and political economy; publics, media, and political communication; civil society and associational life. We invite applications from scholars working in any time period and region, and encourage candidates whose work brings non-Western, transnational, comparative, or global perspectives. Applicants should have an outstanding record of research and publication, a demonstrated commitment to excellent teaching and mentoring, and the capacity to sustain a world-class research program. The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in History or a closely related field and will be expected to teach and advise students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The appointment is expected to begin on September 1, 2027.

While successful applicants will be home-based in the Department of History, their teaching will be divided between History and the Stanford Civics Initiative, an interdisciplinary program offering a Minor in Civic Thought and Practice. Successful applicants will teach one course yearly in Stanford’s COLLEGE program for first-year students (as part of their SCI teaching responsibilities) and should serve the student constituency in both History and SCI. We seek applicants whose teaching and scholarship will support one or more of the four CTP Minor tracks (Civic History, Civic Thought, Constitution and Law, Political Economy) and whose approach to pedagogy is aligned with the Statement of Principles of the Alliance for Civics in the Academy.

Interested candidates should apply through Stanford Faculty Positions (http://xxxx) and submit:

• Cover letter, outlining how their qualifications and interests match the job description;
• Research statement outlining their current and future research interests & projects;
• Teaching Statement outlining their teaching experience and interests;
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications;
• One substantial research publication;
• Names of three recommendation letter writers. While the application form requires you to provide contact information for three references, your referees will only be contacted if you move forward as a finalist. Applicants who would prefer not to submit referees’ names at this stage may elect to submit “[email protected]” in the form.

The application process will close on October 15, 2026.  

The History Department, School of Humanities & Sciences, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.

The salary range for this position is $128,992-$255,852 for Professor for the academic year 2026-2027:

Associate Professor: $128,992-$159,907

Professor: $149,247-$255,852

 Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Further information about Stanford’s Department of History may be found at https://history.stanford.edu/. Inquiries may be directed to Vivian Beebe Sana, Faculty Affairs and External Relations Officer, [email protected].

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact

[email protected].