Professor - Griffiths Chair

About the Role

The University of Missouri, Columbia is seeking a Hicks and Martha Griffiths Endowed Chair in American Politics. This is a tenured/tenure-track position focused on American Politics to begin the Fall Semester of 2026, although the start date is flexible. This is a 9-month appointment with responsibilities in teaching, research, and service. The typical teaching load will be 3 courses per academic year.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Political Science or related field

Competitive applications will have:

• A clear research agenda
• Strong theoretical orientation
• Excellent methodological skills
• A record of publications in highly ranked journals and academic presses
• Evidence of effective teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels
• A history of engaged service within their current institutions, in the scholarly community, and in public outreach

Additional expectations:

• Research emphasis on American Politics, broadly defined, is encouraged
• Successful track record of securing external funding is ideal
• The endowed chair is expected to be filled at the Associate or Full Professor rank. In rare cases, exceptionally accomplished Assistant Professors whose work demonstrates extraordinary promise and impact will be considered

Application Materials

Apply online at: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings (Job Opening ID 58208). Use the online application and be prepared to upload:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Research statement
• Writing samples
• Evidence of effective teaching
• A teaching statement that describes your pedagogical goals/practices including information about your ability to teach and supervise undergraduate and graduate students

Please include the names of three references. Reference letters will be solicited by the Truman School prior to invitations to interview on campus. The letters are considered confidential and cannot be uploaded by the candidate during the application process.

Contact Information

• Questions about job duties: Jake Haselswerdt (haselswerdtj@missouri.edu), Chair of the Search Committee
• Questions about the application process: Sonam Patel (sonam.patel@missouri.edu)

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin February 23rd, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

About the Truman School

The Truman School of Government and Public Affairs offers a PhD in Political Science, a PhD in Public Affairs, a Master's in Public Affairs, a Master's in Defense and Strategic Studies, a BA in Political Science, and a BA in Public Administration and Policy. For more information see: https://truman.missouri.edu/

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.