Job Details

SMU 26-27 - Department Chair and Professor of Political Science

Position Number: 9872602
Location: Dallas, United States
Position Type: Liberal Arts - Political Science

SMU 26-27 - Department Chair and Professor of Political Science
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Location: Dallas
Open Date: Oct 01, 2026

Description:
The Political Science Department at Southern Methodist University invites applications for the Endowed Geurin-Pettus Distinguished Chair in American Politics and Political Economy. The successful candidate will also serve as Departmental Chair. Preference will be given to senior scholars with outstanding records of research and teaching in American National Politics and public policy with emphasis on regulatory, fiscal, and social welfare issues. They will be expected to participate in an interdisciplinary program in public policy, which is administered by the Political Science Department, and will be a member of the John G. Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs.

The Political Science Department at SMU is currently a faculty of sixteen administering an undergraduate program with 225 majors and 150 minors. Classes are small and expectations are high in both in both teaching and research. The Tower Center, housed with the Political Science Department, is an interdisciplinary center sponsoring and administering teaching, research, professional presentations, and conferences on national and international affairs. The successful candidate will be expected to take a leading role in developing the department, contributing to the Tower Center, and coordinating their related programs.

SMU seeks bold, curious and creative faculty to position our students for success. We offer the rare confluence of a comprehensive global research institution and a close-knit intellectual enterprise in the liberal arts tradition. Like our hometown of Dallas, our campus is vibrant. Here, innovative thinkers conduct research that has lasting impact and transform big ideas into new products, inventive technology and world-changing solutions. Our welcoming learning community of faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight schools embraces a world of people and ideas. Come to SMU to think big and do good.

Qualifications:
A Ph.D. is required at the time of application.

Application Instructions:
To apply, visit <a href=""https://apptrkr.com/9872602"">https://apply.interfolio.com/193859

Applications must be submitted via Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/193859) and should include a letter highlighting the candidate's qualifications, complete curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. The position begins on August 1, 2027. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by January 15, 2027, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of the employment decision after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.