Associate / Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Public Administration, Baker School of Publi...

Associate / Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Public Administration, Baker School of Public Policy (Tenure Track) - Fall 2026 2 positions available

Location :

Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs

Open Date : Sep 5, 2025

Close Date : Oct 20, 2025

Description :

The Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is seeking to fill two tenure-line faculty positions in the field of public policy and public administration. We seek accomplished scholars and experienced teachers whose research and instructional expertise contribute meaningfully to the advancement of public service education. We are particularly interested in candidates whose work demonstrates a strong record of policy engagement at the state and local levels, as well as a commitment to producing impactful, policy-relevant research that informs practice and advances the public good. This search is open at the associate or assistant level, and applicants will be appointed to a rank commensurate with their research, teaching, and service records. The appointments will begin on August 1, 2026. These are 9-month positions.

We seek scholars who will contribute to teaching across our academic programs, including the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and the undergraduate major in Public Affairs. We are especially interested in candidates with demonstrated experience and interest in online instruction, particularly those prepared to teach in our rapidly growing online MPA program. The ideal candidate will bring strong pedagogical skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging instruction to students in both in-person and virtual formats. Specific teaching needs include courses in public management, organizational theory and behavior, program implementation and evaluation, policy process, human resources in the public sector, state and local government, economic development, and planning and land use. The teaching load is 2-2.

The successful candidate should have an active research agenda addressing one or more contemporary questions in public administration or public policy. All Baker School faculty are expected to maintain a productive research agenda, provide service to the School, University, State, and the community, and engage with local policymakers and leaders. Ideally, the successful candidate will contribute both through research and engagement to a new Center for Economic and Community Development.

Who We Are

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.

The Baker School was established in 2023 to honor the distinguished life and legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., a former US Senator, Senate Majority Leader, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to Japan. Located in a 51,000-sq. ft. purpose-built facility, the Baker School evolved from the Baker Center, which for twenty years has operated as a think-tank producing research, public engagement programming, and an active set of student programs. The Baker School is very excited to add degree programs and to grow its research programming into independent research centers. In addition, the Baker School houses the Institute of American Civics, which is responsible for encouraging civic knowledge and civic participation among UT undergraduates and the state at large.

We are a dynamic and close-knit team of dedicated and hardworking individuals who are devoted to research, education, and public service initiatives that address real-world problems in local, state, national, and global communities. Each member of our team is a valuable contributor to achieving our mission and we work together to find innovative approaches to moving the Baker School forward. We are fast-moving and growing. Our work is constantly evolving to meet changing needs.

Who We Are Looking For

We are in search of a solution-finder, someone who enthusiastically embraces opportunities to address novel situations through teamwork and collaboration. We need a hardworking and flexible professional who thrives in developing out-of-the-box approaches and addressing new challenges. We are looking for an achiever, someone who is searching for a chance to grow their skills and who is open to learning from others. We need a critical thinker who exercises good judgment and who can be relied upon and trusted to provide sound counsel to colleagues and leadership inside and beyond the academy. We need teammates who are dedicated to public service.

Qualifications :

Candidates must have a doctoral degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, or a related field.

Candidates for Assistant Professor must have at least three years of teaching experience post-PhD, a clear research agenda, and have demonstrated the ability to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals.

Candidates for Associate Professor should have a demonstrated record of publishing in appropriate journals, exceptional teaching, and internal and external service to their professional community.

Candidates who have experience in securing and executing externally funded research are preferred, though this is not a requirement of the position.

Application Instructions :

Applicants should submit the following via Interfolio :

• A cover letter explaining their research and teaching experience,
• A current CV,
• A sample of scholarly writing, and
• Teaching evaluations (if available),
• Names and contact information for three references.

Successful candidates will be required to submit official transcripts and undergo a background check. Review of applications will begin on October 20, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. For questions or inquiries, contact the search chair : Dr. Tara Bryan, tbryan29@utk.edu .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement :

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to  eoa@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to  investigations@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-0717.