Description:

The Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership at the Hobby School of Affairs invites applications for a non-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor position in Ethics and Leadership to begin September 1, 2026. The fellowship is for a one-year term with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. Competitive candidates should have a PhD in political theory, social and political philosophy, ethics, or leadership studies with some connection to public policy.

The goal of this Visiting Assistant Professor position is to provide junior researchers who have recently received their PhDs with an opportunity to develop their research program and make contacts with people in their field prior to taking on a tenure-track position. Teaching and service expectations are relatively light. The Visiting Assistant Professor will teach one course per semester for each semester during their appointment. They will also be expected to attend events sponsored by the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center and serve as coach to the Ethics Bowl team that is supported by the center.

The salary range is $65,000-$75,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications plus medical and other benefits as well as $4000 per year in discretionary research funds for conferences, books, and research travel. A small moving stipend will also be available. Applicants should have earned their PhD before beginning this position on September 1, 2026.

Applications for this position should include:
• A formal letter of application detailing your interest in this position and relevant qualifications.
• A curriculum vitae.
• One research article or dissertation chapter.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness, if available (e.g., student evaluations, a teaching observation, a brief assessment by a professor for whom you were at teaching assistant).
• Three letters of reference.

Review of applications will begin in February 2026 and continue until the position is filled. For questions about this position, please contact Brandon Williams at bmwilli6@central.uh.edu.

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.