Assistant Professor of Practice, School of Gov't & Public Policy (Career-Track)

Position Highlights

At the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS), we work to investigate ideas, transform social conditions, and tell unheard stories. We prepare students, engage in research, and collaborate with community partners to address everyday challenges, be thoughtful problem-solvers, and build solidarity with others across the world. We are rooted in the unique sense of place in our Borderlands region. With more than 30 SBS majors, the College of SBS has a portfolio of competitive and highly ranked graduate programs. Seven of our graduate programs are nationally ranked in the top 25, including top 5 programs in anthropology, geography, political philosophy, and creative nonfiction. With a wide range of subjects to choose from, our students can explore subjects ranging from ancient philosophy to artificial intelligence.

The School of Government and Public Policy (SGPP) at the University of Arizona invites applications for a 0.5 FTE Assistant Professor of Practice career-track position to teach and provide administrative leadership in our online and in-person BS in Public Affairs, Master of Public Policy (MPP), and Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, beginning as soon as August 1, 2026. We will hire an individual who is able to teach the fundamentals of microeconomics for students of public affairs and public policy. The position will also provide administrative capacity to serve as a liaison with the Arizona Policy Lab and to help disseminate MPA and MPP student research to a broader community.

You may be asking: What is a Professor of Practice? SGPP views these appointments as members of the core faculty, who may be eligible to serve as graduate faculty. Professors of Practice are central to our instructional and service missions, as well as to the growth of our research and outreach enterprises. Candidates with previous experience exclusively in academia will be considered alongside those with relevant experience outside of the academy.

A robust set of policies and procedures outline the rights and responsibilities of career-track faculty at the University of Arizona: Click Here. The responsibilities of this academic-year position include teaching courses on the fundamentals of microeconomics for students of public affairs and public policy; developing offerings for our online programs; and serving as a liaison with the Arizona Policy Lab. We are especially interested in candidates whose experience in teaching, research, or service addresses questions related to the policy economics of water, energy, and/or environment.

Applications received by April 15, 2026, will be fully considered; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The expected contract start date is August 1, 2026.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States

This career-track appointment is not eligible for tenure.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Instruction involves teaching four courses per academic year. Courses to be taught include PA 500: Microeconomic Principles for Public Managers and PA 504: Microeconomics for Public Policy Analysts. The course load will likely also include development of online versions of these courses.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to innovative leadership and program growth
• Excellent communication skills and commitment to working collaboratively and proactively with teams of faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or closely related field; or
• A master's degree in a relevant field and ten or more years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and/or interest in teaching principles of economics for public policy students.
• Experience and/or interest in teaching online courses.

Rank:

Assistant Professor

Tenure Information

Career-Track (CT)

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time:

Part Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week:

20

Job FTE:

0.50

Work Calendar:

Academic

Job Category:

Teaching Faculty

Benefits Eligible:

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay:

DOE

Compensation Type:

hourly rate

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies:

1

Contact Information for Candidates

Alex Braithwaite
Director, School of Government and Public Policy
abraith@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply:

Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Three Additional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicant

For a complete application, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Teaching portfolio, including at minimum a statement on teaching, examples of course syllabi, and teaching evaluations if available
4. Names and contact information for 3 professional references, upon request.