Title Information Faculty TitleAssistant Professor Job Class Code10031 FLSAExempt Position Information Posting NumberFRGV1695 Working TitleAssistant Professor in Political Science (Middle Eastern/African Politics)/College of Liberal Arts Number of Vacancies1 LocationRio Grande Valley Division/OrganizationProvost - Academic Affairs Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position Tenure StatusTenure Track FTE1.0 Scope of Job We seek applicants who are dedicated to servingThe University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’sstudent body as an Assistant Professor of Political Science (Middle Eastern/African Politics)beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year. The department seeks applicants with a robust research agenda and teaching interest in political dynamics, historical development, and current issues of the Middle East and/or Africa region.This position supports the department’s goal of expanding both undergraduates and graduate programs by offering courses grounded in the theories and methods of political science while simultaneously crossing disciplinary boundaries to incorporate topics, concepts, and methods utilized outside of political science. It will further strengthen the department’s expertise in comparative, international relations, and area studies. The successful candidate will teach courses on Middle Eastern/African politics and courses in their substantive specialization and required lower-division courses in U.S. Federal Government & Politics and/or Texas Government and Politics. The department maintains a highly flexible teaching schedule to encourage faculty research and faculty regularly receive teaching support from graduate assistants, undergraduate research interns, and online instructional coaches 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 (https://www.utrgv.edu/index.htm) . Department Background: The Department of Political Science is a diverse faculty consisting of 28 full-time and 9 part-time faculty. The department enrolls approximately 4,300 students each semester. It has approximately 300 political science majors, 128 political science minors, and 280 Legal Studies minors. The department offers a Master’s degree with approximately 25 students. UTRGV was recently designated an RU 2 doctoral granting institution by the Carnegie Foundation with aspirations to become an R1 in the future. Minimum Qualifications 1)Ph.D. in Political Science, specializing in Comparative Politics, International Relations, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education. ABDs will be considered, but a conferred doctorate by August 31st, 2025, is required for appointment. 2) demonstrate potential for a strong research and publication record 3) demonstrate potential for teaching excellence in both undergraduate and graduate courses. Discipline Specific Required Qualifications Preferred Qualifications The ability to contribute to the department’s instructional needs in the areas of Middle East and (or) Africa politics, and U.S. Federal Government & Politics and/or Texas Government and Politics. License or Certification Required?No SalaryCommensurate with Qualifications and Experience Desired Start Date09/01/2025 Posting Detail Information 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 Date09/23/2024 Close Date12/31/2024 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. 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. 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. Quick Linkhttps://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/44374 Posting Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents + Cover Letter/Letter of Application + Teaching Philosophy + Writing / Publication Sample + Curriculum Vitae + Unofficial Transcripts + List of 3 References + Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness Optional Documents + Reference Letter 1 + Reference Letter 2 + Reference Letter 3 + Additional Document