Boise State University Assistant Professor – Public Policy

The School of Public Service seeks applicants for up to two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions to support its Public Policy and Administration and Environmental Studies programs, with research and teaching expertise in areas including, but not limited to, Environmental Governance, Administrative Law, and Public Management. Although all research areas will be considered, we are especially interested in applicants with policy expertise in administrative law and governance, public budgeting and finance, public sector human resource management, disaster or wildfire management, air quality policy, and agriculture policy.

The position(s) begin in the fall semester of 2026.

Successful candidates will have an established record of social science research demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications and public service scholarship, or clear potential to develop such a record. They will primarily teach core courses in SPS graduate programs, including the Master of Public Administration, the Master of Environmental Management, and the Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration programs, with opportunities to teach undergraduate courses in Environmental Studies.

The position(s) are key hires to support the re‑envisioned Public Policy and Administration Ph.D. program and will have an important role in mentoring and advising graduate and Ph.D. students.

The School of Public Service (SPS) at Boise State University embodies the university’s state‑mandated public affairs mission through its innovative, interdisciplinary approach to teaching, research, and community engagement. Established in 2015, SPS was intentionally designed to encourage faculty to collaborate across disciplines and focus on addressing real‑world problems. The School’s mission—to prepare problem‑solvers and leaders through education, research, and community engagement to tackle society’s challenges—guides every aspect of its work.

With a student body of approximately 1,500 and over 100 faculty and staff, SPS has graduated approximately 8,000 alumni who serve in impactful roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

• Ph.D. in Public Administration, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Political Science, or a related field is required. Advanced ABDs may be considered, but a Ph.D. must be transcripted prior to the position’s start date.
• Ability to teach core courses in the MPA program.

• Experience with, or interest in developing, experiential and career‑focused learning pedagogy.
• Ability to teach public budgeting and finance, land use, and/or administrative law.
• Ability to teach courses in qualitative, quantitative, or spatial methods, and to mentor students using these methods.

• A letter of application outlining the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and interest in the position, with specific reference to research, teaching, and service.
• A sample of scholarly work.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Position will remain open until filled, with review to begin on October 1, 2025.

Salary starts at $63,000 and is commensurate with experience.

Our standard faculty contract is a 9‑month contract (unless otherwise noted) with pay and benefits spread over 12 months. This is a yearly, renewable contract, unless noted that the position is temporary. More information about faculty contract and work days is available here.

• Excellent medical, dental, and other coverages.

To apply, please visit: