Title Information
Faculty TitleAssistant Professor
Job Class Code10031
FLSAExempt
Position Information
Posting NumberFRGV1910
Working TitleAssistant Professor in Public Administration/College of Liberal Arts
Number of Vacancies1
LocationBrownsville, Texas
Division/OrganizationProvost - Academic Affairs
Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position
Tenure StatusTenure Track
FTE1.0
Scope of Job
We seek applicants dedicated to servingThe University of Texas Rio Grande Valley'sstudent body at the rank of Assistant Professor in the School of Political Science, Public Affairs, Legal and Security Studies ( PPLSS ), beginning September 1, 2026. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of the Master of Public Affairs ( MPA ) program, with a focus on strengthening its core public administration curriculum. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong quantitative skills and the ability to teach applied statistics, artificial intelligence (AI), or machine learning in public affairs @contexts. The ideal candidate will integrate their research with regional policy challenges and contribute to innovative curricular offerings at the local, state, national, and global levels.
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. 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.
Department/College Background
The School of Political Science, Public Affairs, Legal and Security Studies ( PPLSS ) has a faculty consisting of 35 full-time and 11 part-time faculty. The school has approximately 5,000 enrollment each semester. In fall 2025, it has approximately 360 political science majors, 160 political science minors, 400 legal studies minors, 20 public affairs minors, 22 global security minors, 80 public affairs graduate students, and 25 political science graduate 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
Ph.D. in Public Administration, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a closely related field (ABDs will be considered but must have the degree in hand by August 31st, 2026).
Discipline Specific Required Qualifications
1.Public administration with strong quantitative skills
2.Ability to teach core courses in the Master of Public Administration curriculum, such as research methods, program evaluation, public policy and electives if their field of expertise.
3.Evidence of potential high-quality research, an active research agenda and commitment to excellence in teaching.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Public Administration, Public Policy, or Political Science; experience with municipal, state, or federal agencies; evidence of impactful policy research or program evaluation
License or Certification Required?No
SalaryCommensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Desired Start Date09/01/2026
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 Date10/30/2025
Close Date12/31/2025
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/49163
Posting Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Writing / Publication Sample
Curriculum Vitae
Unofficial Transcripts
List of 3 References
Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
Letter of Interest
Optional Documents
