Assistant Professor Jobs in Gainesville, FL

Assistant Professor

• A Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Evidence of high-quality scholarship or strong potential for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate scholarly outlets.
• The ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Department of Political Science at the University of Florida invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in American Politics, with a focus on American institutions, beginning in August 2027.

We seek a scholar whose research advances the study of American national political institutions and their development, operation, and consequences. Special preference will go to candidates whose research focuses on the executive and legislative branches. We welcome applications from scholars working across the breadth of American national institutions and especially encourage candidates whose research engages Historical Political Economy (HPE), American Political Economy (APE), and/or American Political Development (APD).

This position is part of a broader effort to strengthen the department’s capacity in historical and political economy approaches. In addition to this position in American Politics, the department anticipates making at least one additional tenure-track appointment in Historical Political Economy. The field and subfield of subsequent positions will be open. We therefore encourage scholars working in HPE in Comparative Politics, International Relations, or other areas of Political Science to apply.

The successful candidate will maintain an active and innovative research program that makes important theoretical and empirical contributions to the study of American politics. We are open to a wide range of methodological approaches. Candidates whose research would benefit from the University of Florida’s substantial investments in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and data-intensive research are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring missions, including its doctoral methods curriculum. Teaching opportunities include courses on American political institutions, American political development, political economy, historical political economy, and research methods, as well as courses in the candidate’s areas of specialization.

The Department of Political Science offers a vibrant environment for research spanning American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and methodology. The University of Florida provides extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and research support, including substantial intramural seed-funding programs and access to HiPerGator, the largest university-owned supercomputer in the United States, as well as a growing range of university-wide initiatives in artificial intelligence and computational research.

The starting salary range is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a comprehensive University of Florida benefits package.

• A Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Evidence of high-quality scholarship or strong potential for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate scholarly outlets.
• The ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

We are especially interested in candidates whose research examines American institutions through the lenses of Historical Political Economy, American Political Economy, and/or American Political Development.

Preference may be given to candidates who:

• Demonstrate a strong and promising research agenda on American political institutions, their development, operation, and consequences.
• Show evidence of or potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring, including contributions to the department’s graduate curriculum.
• Employ rigorous empirical methods and have the potential to contribute to the department’s doctoral methods curriculum.
• Have research interests that complement and extend existing departmental strengths and create opportunities for collaboration across fields and with relevant interdisciplinary initiatives at the University of Florida

For full consideration, applicants must submit the following materials:

• A cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for the position, including teaching and research.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• One representative writing sample.
• Three letters of recommendation submitted directly by the referees.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Applications must be received by October 14, 2026. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply for this position, visit jobs.ufl.edu. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2HRS or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

Questions about the position may be directed to Michael Bernhard, Chair of the Search Committee, at bernhard@ufl.edu.

All candidates for employment are subject to pre-employment screening, which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered official if it bears a designation such as “Issued to Student.” A qualifying degree earned from an institution outside the United States requires an evaluation by a credential-evaluation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Additional information is available at www.naces.org.

The selection process will be conducted in accordance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine and Public Records laws. Applications, résumés, letters of recommendation, and other documents related to the search may be available for public inspection.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.