Professor of Public Administration

Review timeline: First review date 11/15/2026

Application Window

Open date: September 14, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Nov 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Jan 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy (UPPP) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) invites applications for a tenured Full Professor with an established distinguished record of scholarship, teaching, and academic leadership. The successful candidate will be expected to provide intellectual and administrative leadership for UPPP's newly launched Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and to contribute to the continued growth of public administration within the department.

We welcome candidates with broad research interests in public administration and public affairs. Areas of particular interest may include, but are not limited to, regional and metropolitan governance, organizational theory, nonprofit management, legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations, and the administration of public and nonprofit organizations. We also encourage applications from scholars whose primary research is in related fields—such as transportation, geographic information systems (GIS), economic development, urban planning, or public policy—when that work substantially overlaps with questions of public administration, governance, organizations, or public-sector management.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an outstanding record of research and teaching, as well as substantial leadership experience relevant to the development and administration of graduate professional programs. The successful candidate will be expected to lead the MPA program, help shape its curriculum and strategic direction, support student recruitment and professional development, cultivate relationships with public and nonprofit organizations, and contribute to the broader intellectual and institutional life of UPPP. The candidate should also reinforce the department's commitment to rigorous, policy-relevant scholarship and to addressing major challenges facing cities, regions, public institutions, and communities.

Priority will be given to applications received by November 15th; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates must have completed a Ph.D. in public administration, public affairs, public policy, urban planning, political science, or a related field and possess a record of scholarship and professional accomplishment appropriate for appointment at the rank of Full Professor at the University of California.

UPPP recognizes the value of diversity in its faculty and strongly supports UCI's mission for equity and inclusiveness. We are committed to ensuring accountability, providing training and education, conducting responsive research, and building sustainable partnerships. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be uploaded electronically through UC Irvine's recruitment site at Application link. In addition to the application requirements listed below, candidates should demonstrate a record of successful academic or professional leadership. Evidence of success in securing extramural funding to support research and graduate students is also desirable.

Please direct questions about this position to T. William Lester (tlester1@uci.edu).

Application Requirements

Document Requirements

• Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of current and future research plans
• Teaching Statement - See UCI guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement.
• Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Discrimination Declaration Form - All applicants for academic positions at the University of California, Irvine must complete and upload the required form.

Reference Requirements

3 required (contact information only)

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. in public affairs, public policy, urban planning, economics, geography, sociology, political science, or a related field.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Letter of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research - Statement of current and future research plans.
• Reflective Teaching and Mentoring Statement - See our guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10399

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• 'Misconduct' means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Irvine, CA

To apply, visit https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10399