Assistant Professor, Politics of SpaceScienceTechnology

The Opportunity
The School of Politics Security and International Affairs (SPSIA) in the College of Sciences (COS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a nine-month tenure-earning assistant professor in the areas of space science and technology policy and politics anticipated to begin August 2026.

The ideal candidate will have a well-developed research agenda on the politics and policy of space broadly defined. Possible areas of interest include space power theory governance of space and space commons strategy and deterrence the political economy of space technologies and the intersection of science technology and policy in space. The candidate should also be able to teach courses related to space politics and more broadly in areas connecting science technology and international security at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates will be expected to contribute to the Security Studies PhD program. The instructional duties and service assignments are in accordance with the departments current equitable workload policy.

School of Politics Security and International Affairs (SPSIA) prepares students for a changing world equipping them with knowledge and the critical thinking and decision-making skills necessary to make a positive impact on politics and government at the local state national and international levels. SPSIA offers a Ph.D. in Security Studies a Masters in Political Science and Bachelors degrees in Political Science and in International & Global Studies. It is ranked as the #1 Best Online Political Science Bachelors Programs by Best Colleges. SPSIAs faculty and centers cultivate cutting-edge research and provide expertise that address societys biggest challenges.

For more information about SPSIA see UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at the university and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce spanning the natural computational physical and social sciences and housing centers institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our worlds most pressing and complex problems. With a mission to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty staff and students thrive research flourishes and our community prospers several COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report Princeton Review and others.

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UCF located in Orlando Florida is classified as a Very High Research Activity university by the Carnegie Foundation. With a diverse student body of more than 70000 students UCF is one of the largest universities in the country. The university offers more than 240 degree programs. UCF is designated a Hispanic Serving Institution. For more information visit .

Minimum qualifications:

A doctorate degree in Political Science Security Studies International Affairs or a closely related field from an accredited institution at the time of appointment is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have a demonstrated record of high-quality publications in space politics space governance and/or in broader areas of science technology and international security.

• Have a promising research agenda that reflects theoretical creativity and empirical sophistication.

• Have a record of or potential for external research funding as appropriate for the discipline.

• Can teach courses related to space politics and/or in broader areas of science technology and international security at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Can teach qualitative and/or quantitative research methods at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

• Can contribute to the Security Studies Ph.D. program through doctoral student supervision.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website (job number 44467).In addition to the online application interested candidates should upload the following materials: (1) a current curriculum vitae (2) a letter detailing your interest in the position; (3) a teaching statement (one to two pages).

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and as applicable U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Jacopo Baggio Search Committee Chair at

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

12/04/2025

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida we are a community of thinkers doers creators innovators healers and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is when you join Knight Nation youll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. Youll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty staff and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow youll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and youll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!UCF offers:

• Benefit packages including Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance Flexible Spending and Employee Assistance Program.

• Paid time off including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.

• Retirement savings options.

• Employee discounts including tickets to many Orlando attractions.

• Education assistance.

• Flexible work environment.

• And moreFor more benefits information view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting it is UCFs expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35 prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S. or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education employment or training in China Cuba Iran Russia North Korea Syria or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions including but not limited to faculty graduate positions individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds post-doctoral positions undergraduate positions visiting assistant professors and visiting research associates.

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As a Florida public university the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position please call or email .

For general application or posting questions please email .