Department Chair

The Department of Political Science at the University of Alabama seeks applications for our next department chair. We are a well-functioning mid-sized department with strong and growing scholarly output and faculty committed to teaching excellence. The Department offers BA, MA, and PhD degrees in political science and a Master of Public Administration degree. We seek a leader who will maintain the well-established democratic culture and procedures in the department and contribute to our collegial atmosphere.

We are open to applicants from any subfield of political science or public administration, all methodological approaches, and at the associate or full level.

The University of Alabama is the flagship of the state university system, recognized as an R1 research university, and remains financially sound and well-positioned for future expansion.

The University of Alabama also maintains several competitive athletic programs and is located in the pleasant and affordable college town of Tuscaloosa, an hour’s drive from Birmingham, three hours from Atlanta and Nashville, four hours from New Orleans, and less than five hours from the Gulf Coast beaches.

Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in of political science, public administration, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications
Administrative experience managing personnel, budgets, teaching assignments, assessment reports, and program reviews. Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and/or supporting faculty members and students. Established scholarly profile.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applicants should complete the online application at https://careers.ua.edu/jobs/search/AS. The application should include 1) a letter of application that includes summary of administrative experience and explains reasons for interest in the position, and 2) a current curriculum vita. References will be requested of finalists. Names of applicants will be kept confidential until a list of finalists is confirmed. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position can be sent to the search committee chair, Dr. Waleed Hazbun at whazbun@ua.edu.

About the Division/College/School
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.

As the largest college at The University, we house over 8000 students and 1000 faculty and staff across our 25 departments.

With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression.

The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning.

About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.

It’s a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.

With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. “EEO is the Law” https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf