Assistant Professor in American Politics/College of Liberal Arts

Assistant Professor in American Politics/College of Liberal Arts

Special Instructions

Complete all sections on the application. If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information including address, email and phone number. You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application. Security sensitive; All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.

Posting Details

Title Information

Position Information

Scope of Job

The School of Political Science, Public Affairs, Legal & Security Studies (PPLSS) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in American Politics to begin in the fall of 2027. Although the area of specialization is open, preference will be given to candidates whose research focuses on electoral campaigns, political psychology, political communication, and/or the politics of South Texas and the US-Mexico border. We welcome scholars with strong methodological training in behavioral, historical, theoretical, or other methodological approaches to the study of U.S. politics. We seek a scholar conducting innovative research with excellent publishing potential.

Preferred qualifications include a demonstrated record of effective teaching and a commitment to excellence in research; experience with or interest in experiential learning and student engagement; and the ability to contribute to student recruitment and interdisciplinary program development. The successful candidate will contribute to the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs in political science, as well as its civic-engagement initiatives and partnerships with external organizations.

About UTRGV:

UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique multicultural education dedicated to student access and success. By championing leading research, healthcare, and application of university discoveries, we support sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is committed to building and sustaining a highly qualified and talented faculty to pursue excellence in everything that we do, including teaching, research, and service.

Drawing on our unique identity as the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in a bilingual and bicultural environment, UTRGV will promote student access and success by building from strength in education and creating a vibrant campus experience. By 2027, we will accelerate transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond by driving meaningful advancements in research and creative works, expanding access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and fostering authentic community engagement and integration.

UTRGV is a distributed campus, one university spanning four counties and multiple locations. Our purpose is to be a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Over 91% of the students enrolled at UTRGV identify as Hispanic, making UTRGV one of the top 3 universities with the highest percentage of Hispanic students. For additional information, please visit UTRGV website.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Political Science or related field from an accredited institution of higher education. ABDs will be considered, but a conferred doctorate by August 31st, 2027 is required for appointment.
2. Demonstrated potential for a strong research and publication record.
3. Demonstrated potential for teaching excellence.
4. Willingness to learn UTRGV’s online platform (Brightspace) and to teach in a variety of formats to include classroom, hybrid, and online courses.

Preferred Qualifications

The ability to contribute to the department’s instructional needs in public policy, particularly health care, energy, and/or transportation policy, is a plus.

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed institution. As such and as assigned, the position may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Work is performed primarily in a general office environment. This position is security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215. The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Complete all sections on the application. If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information including address, email and phone number. You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application. Security sensitive; All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.

Please Note

Texas law requires faculty members whose primary language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by a satisfactory paper-based test score of 500 (computer-based of 173 or internet-based of 61) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a satisfactory test score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. All positions are subject to budget approval.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Writing / Publication Sample
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. List of 3 References
5. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
6. Letter of Interest