Assistant Professor Jobs in Kentucky
Assistant Professor jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in higher education, health sciences, and STEM fields, with demand driven by the state's network of regional universities, community colleges, and research institutions. Most openings are in Lexington, Louisville, and Richmond, where institutions like the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Eastern Kentucky University maintain active faculty hiring. The most sought-after specialties include nursing education, business, and engineering. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Political Science
Requisition Number: FE05014
Department Name: 8E110:Political Science
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Type of Position: Faculty
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track
Required Education: A Ph.D. in Political Science
Required Related Experience: N/A
Required License/Registration/Certification: N/A
Job Summary
The Department of Political Science in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a tenure-eligible faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the field of international conflict and cooperation. Preference will be given to scholars whose research and teaching focus on terrorism, transitional and restorative justice, or civil conflict, and whose work bridges traditional subfield boundaries.
This is a nine-month appointment in the regular title series with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2027. The anticipated Distribution of Effort will be 45% teaching, 45% research, and 10% departmental service. The successful candidate will demonstrate either an established record or strong potential for producing high-quality research, securing extramural funding, employing rigorous quantitative and methodological approaches, and providing effective instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses in Political Science related to international conflict and cooperation and will preferably be able to contribute to the Law and Justice major, a rapidly growing program housed within the Department of Political Science.
A Ph.D. in Political Science is required and must be completed by August 1, 2027.
Applicants must include the following:
1) letter of application (upload as Cover Letter)
2) Curriculum Vita
3) Two publications or writing samples
4) Research Statement (upload as specific statement 1)
5) Teaching statement and evidence of teaching experience (upload as specific statement 2)
6) Transcript
7) In addition, please provide the names and contact information for three references when prompted in the academic profile. This information may be utilized to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system.
Questions about the search may be directed to Dr. Daniel Morey, Search Committee Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Kentucky, at daniel-morey@uky.edu
Application Deadline is 09/29/2026. This position will remain open until filled.
Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ medical coverage and in addition, offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled: Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulations concerning smoking.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Political Science
Requisition Number: FE05014
Department Name: 8E110:Political Science
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Type of Position: Faculty
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track
Required Education: A Ph.D. in Political Science
Required Related Experience: N/A
Required License/Registration/Certification: N/A
Job Summary
The Department of Political Science in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a tenure-eligible faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the field of international conflict and cooperation. Preference will be given to scholars whose research and teaching focus on terrorism, transitional and restorative justice, or civil conflict, and whose work bridges traditional subfield boundaries.
This is a nine-month appointment in the regular title series with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2027. The anticipated Distribution of Effort will be 45% teaching, 45% research, and 10% departmental service. The successful candidate will demonstrate either an established record or strong potential for producing high-quality research, securing extramural funding, employing rigorous quantitative and methodological approaches, and providing effective instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses in Political Science related to international conflict and cooperation and will preferably be able to contribute to the Law and Justice major, a rapidly growing program housed within the Department of Political Science.
A Ph.D. in Political Science is required and must be completed by August 1, 2027.
Applicants must include the following:
1) letter of application (upload as Cover Letter)
2) Curriculum Vita
3) Two publications or writing samples
4) Research Statement (upload as specific statement 1)
5) Teaching statement and evidence of teaching experience (upload as specific statement 2)
6) Transcript
7) In addition, please provide the names and contact information for three references when prompted in the academic profile. This information may be utilized to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system.
Questions about the search may be directed to Dr. Daniel Morey, Search Committee Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Kentucky, at daniel-morey@uky.edu
Application Deadline is 09/29/2026. This position will remain open until filled.
Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ medical coverage and in addition, offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled: Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulations concerning smoking.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
See All 72 Assistant Professor Jobs in Kentucky
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Find Assistant Professor JobsAssistant Professor Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Professor Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Kentucky38
- Western Kentucky University7
- University of Louisville6
- Northern Kentucky University6
- Kentucky State University5
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant professor jobs across Kentucky.
- Terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or M.F.A.) in the relevant discipline required
- Prior teaching experience at the college or university level strongly preferred
- Active research agenda or scholarly publication record in your field
- Ability to teach introductory and upper-division courses within the department
- Experience with learning management systems and online course delivery
- Commitment to undergraduate or graduate student advising and mentorship
Assistant Professor Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an assistant professor in Kentucky?
Most assistant professor positions in Kentucky require a terminal degree in your field, typically a Ph.D. or equivalent. Kentucky does not issue a state teaching license for university faculty, so hiring decisions rest with individual institutions. Candidates build their path through doctoral training, teaching assistantships, and postdoctoral or visiting faculty roles. Kentucky's regional universities and community colleges often hire candidates with strong teaching portfolios alongside research credentials.
Which companies hire assistant professors in Kentucky?
Kentucky assistant professor roles are posted by University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, and University of Louisville and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Kentucky's public university system, including its flagship and regional campuses, accounts for a large share of ongoing faculty openings across disciplines.
Which Kentucky cities have the most assistant professor jobs?
Lexington, Bowling Green, and Louisville have the most assistant professor openings in Kentucky. Lexington and Louisville lead because they are home to the state's largest research universities and medical schools, while smaller cities like Richmond and Bowling Green see steady hiring driven by regional institutions such as Eastern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University.
Are there remote assistant professor jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're less common than in other fields since many assistant professor roles involve in-person teaching, lab instruction, and campus service. About 8% of assistant professor openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting growth in online program development. Fully remote positions are most available in business, education, and certain social science disciplines that support Kentucky's expanding online degree programs.
How can I get hired as an assistant professor in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a visiting assistant professor or lecturer position while completing your terminal degree or shortly after. Kentucky's regional universities, including Morehead State University, Murray State University, and Northern Kentucky University, frequently post visiting and one-year appointments that give early-career candidates classroom experience. Adjunct teaching at Kentucky Community and Technical College System campuses is another concrete starting point that builds a local record and professional connections.
Where can I find and apply to assistant professor jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to assistant professor jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky faculty openings across disciplines and institution types. Search the roles that fit your field and experience level and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 72 Assistant Professor Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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