Horwitz Professor - Department of Political Science

Title: Horwitz Professor - Department of Political Science

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Department: Political Science

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Department of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks an established scholar at the full professor or advanced associate professor rank for the Leonard J. Horwitz Professorship in Latin American Politics and Studies. The anticipated start date for the appointment is September 1, 2027.

Essential Functions

The department is especially interested in candidates with expertise in comparative politics and deep area knowledge of South America, Central America, Mexico, and/or the Caribbean. The areas of specialization in comparative politics or related fields are open, but we are particularly interested in innovative scholars in areas that include contentious politics, gender and sexualities, race and ethnicity, indigeneity and colonialism, political economy and development, environmental politics, violence, democracy, and authoritarianism.

Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of outstanding academic scholarship and research, as well as evidence of excellence in teaching. Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese as well as field experience in the region is strongly preferred. The selected candidate will be expected to offer undergraduate-level courses in Comparative Politics and Latin American Politics and graduate level courses in their area of expertise, as well as contributing to the training of doctoral students. The selected candidate will also have the opportunity to affiliate with the Center for Latin, American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies (CLACLS), which promotes research, training, and public engagement on the histories, cultures, and politics of Latin American and Caribbean peoples across the Americas and throughout the world.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
• Demonstrated record of internationally recognized excellence in Latin American politics and studies.
• Qualifications consistent with appointment at the rank of Professor. Candidates applying who currently hold the rank of Associate Professor must have achieved tenure, must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience following the award of tenure at the time of appointment, and must be prepared to seek promotion to full professor.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, including publications that have earned national and international recognition.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funding and to develop and strengthen communities of research, learning, and engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the intellectual growth of undergraduate and graduate programs in Political Science and related fields.

Additional Details

UMASS Amherst has a long-established and active, interdisciplinary community of scholars and students in Latin American studies. Outstanding resources of support include the Center for Latin, American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies (CLACLS) and the Five College Consortium, connecting faculty across our neighboring colleges of Amherst College, Mt Holyoke, and Smith Colleges. Many of our faculty and students are also connected to Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies, and to the Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) programs through the consortium.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

This position is expected to start on 9/1/27.

Salary Information

The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $107,065 and $213,109 for this position. Please note:

(1) The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.

(2) The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.

The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Applicants must apply through the UMass online application system, unless unable to do so. Applicants should submit the following:

• A letter of interest addressed to Professor Amel Ahmed, Search Committee Chair, Thompson Hall, 200 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003 USA.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Up to three (3) sample works published within the past five (5) years.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (such as summaries of teaching evaluations).
• Sample course syllabi.
• Names and contact information for three (3) references who are willing to submit letters upon request through the UMass online application system.

This is a mid-career or senior-level position. Candidates should have a substantial record of scholarly achievement, leadership, and professional accomplishment. Consistent with University policy and the MSP Collective Bargaining Agreement, candidates who have previously been awarded tenure at a comparable institution may be considered for an expedited tenure review.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide materials that demonstrate the candidate's eligibility and qualifications to show they meet the criteria and the standards for tenure at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (https://www.umass.edu/provost/resources/all-resources/academic-personnel/policy-andlabor-contracts/academic-personnel-policy-red).

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position can be addressed to Professor Amel Ahmed, the Search Committee Chair, at aahmed@umass.edu.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.