Assistant Professor Comparative Politics, Latin America and Mexico Specialization

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1 Opportunity and Community-Engaged university at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health culture education and economy of the community we serve. UTEP enrolls more than 26000 students 84% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. UTEP offers 169 bachelors masters and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access top-tier research university in America.

Located at the westernmost tip of Texas El Paso is set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert in one of the largest binational communities in the world. A family-oriented community that is one of the safest large cities in the U.S. the cost of living in El Paso is very reasonable with an average home value of $224000 in 2025 and Texas has no state income 2026 U.S. News and World report named El Paso the best big city to live in the nation. The regions rich culture includes a vibrant street art and mural scene art galleries a new childrens museum and science center the states longest-running symphony orchestra and a full schedule of seasonal events and festivals. Sports fans will enjoy Division I college athletics Triple-A baseball affiliate El Paso Chihuahuas and professional soccer team El Paso Locomotive FC and outdoor enthusiasts will be drawn to year-round hiking mountain biking and rock climbing in nearby state and national parks.

With nearly 7000 students and more than 20 departments and programs the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college at UTEP. The college offers 36 bachelors 24 masters and four Ph.D. degrees in the fine and performing arts the humanities and the social and behavioral sciences. The college also provides most of the UTEP core curriculum to students in all colleges. The colleges undergraduate and graduate programs house many excellent faculty who have been recognized as national and international leaders in their fields. Faculty conduct interdisciplinary research in Latinx culture health disparities social justice border studies migration environmental communication and numerous other fields that enrich our bicultural and binational region.

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration at The University of Texas at El Paso invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in comparative politics with a specialization in Latin America and a focus on Mexican politics. The position begins in Fall 2027. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses (with a normal teaching load of two courses per semester) in the departments curriculum including introductory courses in political science and undergraduate/graduate research methods in addition to courses such as Latin American Politics and The Politics of Mexico. A strong record of peer-reviewed publications will be required for tenure.

• A PhD in Political Science or related field in hand at the time of appointment.
• Maintain an active research agenda with strong potential to publish in high-quality scholarly venues and attract external funding.
• Evidence of strong potential for effective undergraduate and graduate teaching including research methods courses and the ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Peer-reviewed publications or a strong publication trajectory.
• Demonstrated success in securing external grant funding.
• Experience teaching and mentoring students at a Hispanic-Serving Institution or with diverse student populations.

In keeping with its access excellence and impact mission The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open diverse and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents respects the differences and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex religion age disability genetic information veteran status or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employees or prospective employees right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator who can be reached by phone at by email at or by mail at 500 W. University Ave. El Paso TX Kelly Hall Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities please contact UTEPs Equal Opportunity Office at .

To the extent that this position involves research work or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48 being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Letter of interest that specifies teaching areas and research expertise
• Current curriculum vitae
• A statement of research interests outlining current projects and future goals (no longer than two pages)
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (sample syllabi evaluations etc.)
• One writing or publication sample
• Contact information for three references

For questions about this position please contact the Search Committee Chair Dr. Taeko Hiroi at

Review of applications will begin on October 18 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.