Assistant Professor of Modern Ireland

Description

The Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame invites applications for a tenure-track position, the Keough Naughton Family Professor in Modern Ireland—to be filled during the 2025–26 academic year.

We seek a scholar with strong disciplinary training in the social sciences—particularly political science, history, anthropology, economics, sociology, international relations, or public policy—whose research centers on modern Ireland. The ideal candidate will bring theoretical sophistication and empirical depth to the analysis of contemporary Irish issues with relevance to fields such as security studies, diplomacy, international political economy, comparative politics, electoral behavior, social and economic development, or peace and conflict studies. 

Candidates should demonstrate a track record (or clear potential) of producing rigorous, peer-reviewed research that advances disciplinary debates and addresses real-world policy challenges. We are especially interested in scholars whose work combines methodological rigor with relevance for public discourse and policy communities, and who engage actively with global institutions, civil society, governments, or the private sector. 

The successful candidate will contribute to the Keough School’s mission by: 

• conducting high-impact research on modern Ireland from a disciplinary and policy-relevant perspective; 

• teaching and advising undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students; 

• providing intellectual leadership in the development of research collaborations, policy partnerships, and interdisciplinary initiatives; 

• participating in public scholarship and engagement with think tanks, international organizations, media, and government bodies. 

The professorship will be based in the Keough School, which promotes interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research on critical issues in global affairs, transformative educational programs, and partnerships for global engagement. The Keough School approaches global affairs and development through a focus on integrated human development. The Keough School offers degrees at the undergraduate, Master’s and PhD level. Position duties include research, teaching, and service. The position is expected to begin in August 2026. 

The successful candidate will also hold an affiliated faculty appointment in the Keough School’s Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies The Institute supports interdisciplinary research on Ireland and the Irish diaspora. 

Qualifications

Candidates at the entry level must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. degree or have completed all but dissertation in political science, history, anthropology, economics, public policy, international relations, sociology, or a closely related field. Candidates at the advanced assistant professor level must have a Ph.D. in political science, history, anthropology, economics, public policy, international relations, sociology, or a closely related field. 

The successful candidate is expected to show potential for distinguished scholarship and teaching, demonstrate expertise in topics relevant to modern Ireland, commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, have experience or strong interest in policy engagement, public communication, and applied global research, and be committed to mentoring students and contributing to a collaborative, interdisciplinary academic environment. 

Application Instructions

Applications, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, and teaching statement, should be submitted online by clicking the Apply button above. Applicants should also arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be submitted via Interfolio. Questions about the positions may be addressed to the search committee chair Colin Barr, Thomas Moore and Judy Livingston Director and Professor of Modern Irish History at cbarr2@nd.edu. We will begin reviewing completed applications on October 20, 2025 and will accept applications through October 17, 2025.

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