Associate or Full Professor – American, State, Urban Politics and Policy (Finance)

Department: Hobby School of Public Affairs Salary: Commensurate with experience
Description:

The Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston (UH) invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Associate Professor (with tenure) or Full Professor in Public Policy to begin September 1, 2026. We are interested in scholars who will bring fresh ideas, a commitment to public policy, and an interdisciplinary mindset.

The successful candidate will pursue research in American, state, or local politics and public policy, with particular preference for applicants who demonstrate expertise and a national reputation in survey research and political methodology. Depending on background and experience, the faculty member may also be considered for appointment as the Lanier Chair in Public Policy and/or as Director of the Survey on Public Attitudes and Community Engagement (SPACE City Panel)-a multi-year longitudinal survey project launched in 2025 by the Hobby School's Center for Public Policy ( https://uh.edu/hobby/research/space-city-panel/ ).

Applicants should have an established record of rigorous scholarship and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the Hobby School's mission of applied policy analysis and interdisciplinary research. Expertise in advanced statistical methods-including data visualization, mapping, local area models, spatial analysis, policy evaluation, and structural or quantitative modeling-is highly desirable. Candidates who have experience and expertise in designing, implementing, and analyzing panel surveys and surveys focusing on state and municipal areas or advanced methods to estimate local area public opinion from national surveys, are particularly encouraged to apply. The faculty member will be expected to produce both academic and applied research that informs evidence-based policymaking, supports the development of viable and politically feasible strategies, and contributes to the University of Houston's core research priorities.

In the selection process, the search committee will prioritize collaborative scholars who: (1) engage in nationally-recognized, interdisciplinary work on significant public policy issues, (2) demonstrate an eagerness to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and student success, and (3) pursue grants, awards, and other sources of funding to support research, academic programming, student success, community engagement, and impact.

We are seeking applicants with a strong research record and developing reputation who can help build our growing programs. We are interested in candidates with a background in rigorous research methods that can support the Hobby School's mission to provide training in tools, methods, and analysis.

About the Hobby School
The Hobby School of Public Affairs was created in 2016 by the University of Houston System. Incoming faculty will have the opportunity to join existing faculty in building and shaping the direction and culture of the school. The Hobby School emphasizes advanced social science methodology, leadership development, and ethical analysis in its teaching, training, and research. It is the home of UH's Center for Public Policy, Survey Research Institute, and Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center for Ethics and Leadership.

The Hobby School offers: (1) a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree, (2) a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, (3) BA and BSc degrees in public policy, (4) Dual Degree programs combining public policy with degrees in other fields-multidisciplinary studies (UH's Honors College), business, economics, law, psychology, and social work, and (5) Certificate programs in data analytics, energy policy, ethics, infrastructure policy and population health, health care policy, public policy, and public administration. We are in the planning process for launching a PhD program. The Hobby School also runs the Institute on the Empirical Implications of Theoretical Models (EITM) and is expanding its research and instructional mission through innovative initiatives, such as the SPACE City Panel.

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One research institution and is the flagship campus of a state-assisted higher education system that enrolls over 70,000 students (system-wide). We welcome candidates whose experience in teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to excellence.

Houston ( www.houston.org ) boasts a high quality of life with the following attributes: (1) a growing economy, including a vibrant energy sector, robust manufacturing, a bustling port that serves as a hub for international trade, the Johnson Space Center, and the Texas Medical Center-the world's largest medical center, (b) rich traditions in music, theatre, art, and sports, (c) award-winning restaurants and (d) a relatively low cost of living among large cities.

Salary and rank commensurate with experience.

The University of Houston is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

Application Instructions
Interested individuals should apply at Prospective Faculty | Office of the Provost | University of Houston and provide: (1) a letter of interest, (2) evidence of teaching effectiveness and commitment to mentoring students, (3) a statement of research specialization and interests, (4) three names and email addresses of prospective writers of letters of recommendation, (5) a curriculum vita, and (6) up to three representative papers. Referees may be contacted to submit letters. Review of applications will begin on September 30 and continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to the search committee co-chair Mirya Holman ( mrholman@central.uh.edu ) and Pablo M. Pinto ( ppinto@central.uh.edu ).

Qualifications
Doctoral degree required. Advanced Associate (with tenure) or Full Professor. We are primarily seeking applicants with a strong research record and established reputation that can help build our growing program. Candidates should have a strong background in rigorous research methods to support the Hobby School's mission to provide training in tools, methods, and analysis.

Minimum Qualifications: Doctoral degree required; Associate Professor (with tenure)

Preferred Qualifications: Full Professor or tenured Associate Professor with 3-5 years in the rank

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.