"The Inaugural Philip K. Hitti Endowed Chair in Middle Eastern Studies"

Job Details

Department Chair in the Department of Political Studies and Public Administration and the Inaugural Philip K. Hitti Endowed Chair in Middle Eastern Studies

The Department of Political Studies and Public Administration (PSPA) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) invites applications for the position of Department Chair and the inaugural Philip K. Hitti Endowed Chair in Middle Eastern Studies. We seek a distinguished and collegial scholar with a demonstrated commitment to high-level research relevant to the politics of the Middle East region; a sustained record of teaching and service at an internationally recognized institutions; and an established record of public and student engagement. We are open to applicants in Middle East Studies, particularly in the fields of Politics or Global Affairs, and at the rank of full professor. This position is set to begin on August 15, 2026.

Department Profile

The PSPA Department is a multi-disciplinary department hosting BA and MA programs in Political Studies, Public Administration, and Public Policy & International Affairs. It is closely affiliated with centers and institutes across AUB, including the Center for Arab and Middle East Studies, the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship and the Center for American Studies and Research. The PSPA Department welcomes and draws from scholars with diverse methodological approaches, who are trained in, teach, and publish in a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields. It also encourages relevant policy-oriented activities, public engagement, and service. PSPA Department faculty members are committed to the AUB Mission and direct their scholarship and teaching to address issues relevant to audiences in the Middle East and the Global South. The Department offers courses spanning the social sciences and humanities and supports AUB’s liberal arts core by offering courses for all AUB students that meet General Education requirements.

Candidate Profile

The Philip K. Hitti Endowed Chair will lead the PSPA Department within its overall mission and profile. In particular, we seek a chair who will

(1) reinforce the ideal of democratic culture and procedures in the department andcontribute to our collegial atmosphere and tradition of academic freedom;

(2) provide strategic leadership that advances and rethinks the department’s overall mission and teaching/research profile (stated above), particularly in fostering multi-disciplinary and critical approaches and producing knowledge relevant to the people of Lebanon and the wider region that is relevant to the challenges of our time;

(3) advocate for the department and its needed resources at all levels across AUB, particularly the Faculty of Arts and Sciences;

(4) establish an ability to engage productively with students and the wider public community;

(5) demonstrate an internationally recognized scholarly standing in line with their rank and experience, and that is relevant to the Middle East region;

(6) have some administrative experience (in managing personnel, budgets, assessment reports, and program reviews, etc.) and professional experience in mentoring/supporting faculty members, staff, and students.

A complete application includes:

• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• A cover letter outlining the candidate’s research, teaching, and service profile, as well as their proposed vision for the leadership of the PSPA department.
• Evidence of effective teaching.
• Names and contact information for three references (letters of recommendation will only be requested for shortlisted candidates).

All application materials should be submitted via Interfolio through the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/178776

Review of applications will begin on January 30, 2026. Short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews either online or in person.