Assistant Professor in American Politics

Assistant Professor in American Politics/College of Liberal
Arts

Job Class Code: 10031

FLSA: Exempt

Posting Number: FRGV2063

Location: Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Division/Organization: Provost - Academic Affairs

Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position:

Tenure Status: Tenure Track

FTE: 1.0

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.

Discipline Specific Required Qualifications:

Preferred Qualification:

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

Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications and
Experience

License or Certification Required?: No

Number of Vacancies: 1

Desired Start Date: 09/01/2027

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.

Open Date: 10/01/2026

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.

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.

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.

To apply, visit https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/53009
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