Visiting Assistant Professor of Japanese Domestic Politics

Position Summary

Indiana University-Bloomington’s Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies seeks applications for a full-time visiting assistant professor (VAP) of Japanese domestic politics to begin January 1, 2027. The position is for up to three consecutive teaching semesters (Spring 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028), subject to campus approval.

This non-tenure-track VAP position is based in Indiana University’s renowned multidisciplinary Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) and partially funded by the Japan Foundation. The teaching load is two courses per semester—including one course each semester focusing specifically on some aspect of contemporary Japanese politics (broadly defined).

Eligible candidates will have a PhD in political science (or related field) in hand before January 1, 2027, and combine disciplinary rigor and area studies expertise to analyze Japan and East Asian politics. Candidates whose research agenda extensively utilizes Japanese-language sources and who demonstrate an interest in contributing to Hamilton Lugar’s 21st Century Japan Politics and Society Initiative (21JPSI) will be particularly competitive. 21JPSI expects to be able to provide the successful candidate with a funded manuscript workshop and a research trip to Japan in summer 2027.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in political science (or related field) in hand no later than December 31, 2026
• Ability to teach courses on issues related to Japanese domestic politics

Department Contact for Questions

For inquiries regarding the nature of the position, candidates may email the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at ealc@iu.edu. Questions related to the submission process through the Indiana University job portal may be directed to Mr. Zac Muller, Assistant Director of Faculty Relations for the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at zmuller@iu.edu.

Additional Qualifications

• Preference will be shown to candidates expressing interest in teaching courses with a more regional or comparative (e.g., East Asia-wide) focus and which complement existing EALC department offerings
• Demonstrated track record conducting research using Japanese-language sources
• Interest in contributing to the mission of 21JPSI