The Clements Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) invites applications for full-time faculty positions at all ranks (tenured, tenure-track, and professional-track) in Security Studies. The Clements Center especially seeks diplomatic and military historians, political scientists, international relations theorists, political theorists, classicists, and others who bring relevant scholarly expertise to the perennial challenges of foreign affairs and its central activities of diplomacy, intelligence, and war. While the emphasis of our program is academic, we also seek several professors of practice who have had distinguished and inspiring careers in public service in diplomacy, intelligence, and defense.
Applicants to this position should be able to contribute to teaching core courses on the following topics:
The strongest applicants will also be able to teach advanced and Ph.D. coursework that is consistent with these broad themes.
Established in 2013 with the support of distinguished policymakers and scholars, the Clements Center is a nonpartisan education, research, and policy center uniquely positioned in the Office of the President. The Center draws on the best insights of diplomatic and military history in order to train the next generation of national security leaders; it provides signature and gateway professional development opportunities for all students, from undergraduates through postdocs. It is also the home of the esteemed professional journal The Texas National Security Review and, in partnership with the Strauss Center for International Security and Law, founded the Intelligence Studies Project and the Asia Policy Program. The Clements Center is one of the original leadership institutions of the America in the World Consortium.
We seek outstanding tenure and tenure track candidates with a Ph.D. in a related field whose work and approach to teaching respect the role and work of foreign affairs in a democracy and complement the mission of the Clements Center. Ideal candidates will (1) have excellent records of scholarship with robust research agendas, (2) provide evidence of exceptional teaching, and (3) show a readiness to contribute to the intellectual life, governance, and programmatic development of the Clements Center.
Practitioners with distinguished, full careers in the Department of State, the intelligence community, the Department of Defense, legislative affairs, and related fields are also encouraged to apply and do not require a Ph.D. In lieu of pursuing a research agenda, professors of practice will be expected to spend substantial time mentoring students beyond the classroom.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of three academic references (references do not need to submit full letters at this stage). Cover letters should give a brief overview of the candidate’s research agenda, highlight areas of teaching competence, and concisely describe how the candidate would contribute to the mission of the Clements Center. The cover letter should also clearly identify whether the applicant is seeking a tenure or professional track appointment or if he or she is open to either.
Review of applications will begin September 15, 2026, and continue until all positions are filled.
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
