American Political Thought - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

The Department of Government at The University of Texas at Austin, in association with the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Study of Core Texts and Ideas, invites applications for an open rank position specializing in the history of political theory with a focus on American political thought. The position begins Fall of academic year 2026-27.

Candidates' research should focus on fundamental texts and themes in American political thought such as the American Founding and constitutional principles; the meaning of rights, equality, and liberty; African-American thought; democratic statesmanship; civic virtue; and the challenges of sustaining democracy. The successful candidate will be expected to teach graduate and upper-division courses on these and related themes and to serve as a lead instructor in the introductory course Constitutional Principles: Core Texts for students in the program in Core Texts and Ideas. Duties will include undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, and service to the department, center, college, and university. The teaching expectation is typically three courses per academic year.

To be considered for a tenure-track position, applicants must have completed all the requirements for the Ph.D. by time of appointment, or they must expect to obtain the Ph.D. within a year of joining the faculty as Instructor. Tenured applicants must hold a Ph.D.

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, examples of scholarly work, teaching portfolio, graduate transcripts (if applying at Assistant rank), and three letters of recommendation.

The department will begin reviewing applications on September 30, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

For assistance with the application process please contact Sarah Eliason (seliason@austin.utexas.edu). For substantive questions about the position please contact the chair of the search committee, Thomas Pangle (tpangle@austin.utexas.edu).

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Position funding is subject to budget availability.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.