Assistant Professor, School of Government and Public Policy (T/TE)

The School of Government & Public Policy (SGPP) at the University of Arizona invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor faculty position focusing on agroecosystem governance, institutions, and decision-making under water scarcity.

This position is part of a strategic, interdisciplinary cluster hire aimed at confirming the University of Arizona as a top national program in irrigated agroecosystem science and engineering. We seek a scholar with expertise in public policy, public administration, or institutional management who investigates how governance structures, regulatory frameworks, policy design, and administrative practices shape behavior and water resource allocation in water-scarce agricultural systems. The successful candidate's tenure home will be SGPP, and while in SGPP, the candidate will work closely with natural scientists, hydrologists, engineers, and data scientists across campus.

The School of Government & Public Policy (SGPP) at the University of Arizona integrates political science, public administration, public policy, and criminal justice, offering a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary public affairs research.

The University of Arizona ranks #1 in the U.S. and #4 globally in Water Resources research. This position is part of a major institutional commitment to translate existing leadership in water into a preeminent center for irrigated dryland agroecosystems. The successful candidate will have access to world-class field infrastructure that includes the Yuma, Maricopa, and Tucson Agricultural Experiment Stations; the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, the Water Resources Research Center, and the Arizona Hub for Agricultural Innovation (AHAI). They will also be integrated into the collaborative network of the Arizona Institute for Resilience (AIR).

Review of applications will begin December 15, 2026 . Applications must be received by January 5, 2027 for full consideration.

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.

• Research: Build or maintain an internationally recognized, externally funded
  research program examining agroecosystem governance, institutional
  adaptation, or decision-making dynamics among agricultural producers
  facing severe water scarcity, soil salinization, and competing urban and industrial water
  demands.
• Interdisciplinary
  Collaboration: Actively participate in the
  Irrigated Agroecosystems Cluster Hire cohort. Collaborate with
  agricultural engineers, soil and plant scientists, AI/data scientists, and hydrologists
  to translate foundational water resources research into actionable policy,
  governance models, and community-engaged solutions.
• Teaching
  & Mentorship: Teach undergraduate and
  graduate courses in public policy, public administration, or
  environmental/resource governance within SGPP. Mentor MA, MPA, MPP, and
  PhD students.
• Outreach & Engagement: Engage with state, regional, and national stakeholders, including
  irrigation districts, agricultural producer groups, tribal nations,
  groundwater management agencies, and state and federal decision-makers.

• Ph.D. in Public Policy, Public
  Administration, Political Science, Resource Economics, or a closely
  related environmental social science discipline by the time of
  appointment.
• A
  strong record (or demonstrated promise) of scholarly publication
  addressing governance, institutional design, policy implementation, or
  decision-making frameworks related to natural resources, water,
  agriculture, or adaptation to climate stress.
• Demonstrated ability or
  commitment to working effectively in transdisciplinary teams spanning the
  social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.

• Expertise in water issues of Arizona and the Southwest.
  
• Methodological strength in policy analysis, institutional analysis, mixed methods, spatial policy analysis, or behavioral/survey methods.
  
• Experience or strong interest in community-engaged research with agroecosystem governance stakeholders, including agricultural producers, water managers, and public agencies.

• Curriculum vitae (CV).
  
• Cover letter (Please upload your cover letter as a separate attachment).
  
• A research statement.
  
• A teaching statement.
  
• Recommendation letters from 3 professional references.