Assistant Professor of Public Policy

The Department of Political Science at the University of New Mexico invites applications for a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor position in Public Policy, broadly defined, to begin August 10, 2026.

The Department of Political Science currently employs 12 regular faculty members and maintains a small but highly competitive and nationally recognized graduate program (MA and Ph.D.), as well as a high-quality undergraduate major (BA). The department has a rich history of excellence in American Politics, Comparative Politics of Latin America, and Latino/Hispanic politics. UNM's Center for Social Policy, Center for Regional Studies, the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the Native American Studies department support efforts to understand the policy landscape at the local, state, and regional levels. A strong and growing Master of Public Policy (MPP) program trains students for careers in the non-profit, government, and public policy sectors.

UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico, is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution. Our campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, which has cultural, outdoor and recreational opportunities for everyone. Learn more about our city, our welcoming campus, and research opportunities at http://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/ and https://advance.unm.edu/why-unm/. For more information regarding the College of Arts and Science's ambitious hiring plan, including a list of departments that are hiring faculty members with shared interests, please see this page.

For best consideration, apply no later than October 22, 2025. This position will remain open until filled.

Applicants selected as semifinalists will be asked to arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly by referees to Marliss McGarvey at mmcgarvey@unm.edu. Emails from referees should include "Attn: Public Policy Search Committee" in the subject line. Semi-finalists may be asked to submit additional samples of written work, additional sample syllabi, and official graduate transcripts.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Earned Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, Government or closely related field by start date of August 10, 2026

2. Specialization in public policy, broadly defined.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated or potential excellence in conducting substantively and theoretically significant research in public policy reflected in a record of publication in this subfield

2. Demonstrated or potential excellence in applied policy research and engagement, including community-engaged, public-facing, or evidence-based policy work that connects academic research to pressing policy challenges in New Mexico, nationally, or globally

3. Demonstrated or potential excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in public policy

4. Demonstrated or potential commitment to service at the department, college, university, state, and/or disciplinary level, contributing to shared governance and advancing institutional and community goals

5. Strong methodological expertise

6. Research program alignment with any of the department's emphases, including democratic representation and effective governance; environmental protection and adaptation; human rights, the rule of law, and conflict resolution; indigenous, race, gender and ethnic politics; or the impact on democracy of new communications and computational technologies

7. A demonstrated connection to/commitment to cultivating an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities

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Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.