Assistant Professor of Public Policy

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 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.

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, Government or closely related field by start date of August 10, 2026
• Specialization in public policy, broadly defined.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated or potential excellence in conducting substantively and theoretically significant research in public policy reflected in a record of publication in this subfield
• 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
• Demonstrated or potential excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in public policy
• 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
• Strong methodological expertise
• 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
• 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

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. To apply, electronically submit the following: a cover letter that addresses the preferred qualifications, a curriculum vitae, a graduate transcript, one sample solo-authored peer-reviewed publication or other solo-authored written work, teaching materials which include: one sample course syllabus; summary course evaluations for all classes taught at the undergraduate or graduate level, and contact information for three academic references.

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.