Jobs & Vacancies

John G Winant Visiting Professor of American Government
Rothermere American Institute in association with Balliol College

The John G Winant Visiting Professorship is an exciting opportunity for highly distinguished researchers working in the field of American government (broadly defined). Applications are now invited for the academic years 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27. The tenure of each professorship is up to one academic year (1 October to 30 June).

The Winant professorship was established in 2000 and is named after Mr John G Winant, a distinguished American public servant and former US Ambassador to the Court of St James during the Second World War. It is based in the Rothermere American Institute (RAI), Oxford’s centre for the study of America and its place in the world, whose mission is to support research in Oxford and beyond, to act as a catalyst for interdisciplinary work and research collaboration, and to engage non-university audiences, all with the aim of improving the scholarly and public understanding of America. The RAI's role as a forum for intellectual exchange is of particular importance for the Winant Professor. Along with the holders of three other established professorships in American History and Politics, you will have the opportunity to give lectures and to hold classes and seminars for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, to participate in conferences and workshops, and to play a full part in the Institute's intellectual life. The Winant Professor will also be a Visiting Fellow of Balliol College during their tenure.

You will be expected to deliver one major public lecture (the Winant Lecture), and to lecture and give instruction in American Government. You will be encouraged to offer informal guidance to graduate research students working in relevant fields. Winant Professors sometimes contribute to the teaching of the Masters level seminar on the government and politics of the U.S.

You will be paid a stipend of £40,000 for the academic year (at current rates). Most previous holders’ tenure have coincided with sabbatical leave from their home institution. The stipend is therefore intended to supplement rather than replace normal salary, and will be sufficient to cover living costs in Oxford during the period of tenure. Funds are also available to pay for return air travel and visa fees (if applicable), and to convene a small conference, usually held in the spring. Funds are not available, however, to cover accommodation costs. If you will require a visa in order to take up this position in the UK, it will be your responsibility to obtain a visa, although the University will provide advice and assistance as necessary.

The closing date for applications is Monday 22 May 2023. Please complete the application form and give details of three referees. You should upload a copy of your CV and a covering letter setting out your research plans and how you would contribute to the activities of the Rothermere American Institute as the Winant Professor. Please also indicate in your covering letter your availability for the three academic years (2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27) and any preferences.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Professor Adam Smith, Director of the Rothermere American Institute, on +44 (0)1865 282731 or adam.smith@rai.ox.ac.uk.