Democratic Development, Backsliding and Capacity Building (Assistant or Associate Professor)

The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin ("LBJ School") invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Political Science or other allied disciplines to begin in Fall of academic year 2025-26 (with an August 2025 start date). One of the nation's top ten programs in public affairs, the LBJ School is seeking to strengthen its faculty in the democratic backsliding, consolidation as well as capacity building, with a focus on low- or middle-income countries (LMICs).

The LBJ School comprises more than 45 faculty members and approximately 350 graduate students, and a new undergraduate degree that will eventually serve another 400 students. It offers multi-disciplinary curricula leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts of Public Affairs, Master of Public Affairs, Master of Global Policy Studies, and Ph.D. in Public Policy.

The ideal candidate will possess proven experience and expertise as a political scientist in one or more of the following areas: democratic consolidation and stabilization, authoritarianism, democratic backsliding, institutional and political development, and capacity building in LMICs.

They will also teach courses related to a field of public policy. The appointee's research will have direct relevance to public policy. The appointee will conduct and publish scholarly research and seek grant opportunities in support of their research and/or teaching activities. The appointee will participate in faculty governance in the LBJ School.

A Ph.D. in Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology or a related field with an emphasis in democratic political development is required. ABD candidates will be considered if thedoctoral degree will be complete by the time of employment. Experience in college teaching and evidence of scholarship or scholarly potential is preferred.

Interested candidates can submit their cover letter, CV, statement of teaching, three years of teaching evaluations (or fewer if unavailable), three letters of reference, and one article-length writing sample via Interfolio. Questions about the position can be directed to Kate Weaver at ceweaver@austin.utexas.edu. Questions about the application can be directed to Shannon LaFevers at slafevers@austin.utexas.edu.

The search committee will begin considering applications October 1. The position will remain open until filled.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.