Full Time Faculty, Tenure Track Position (Assistant Professor) in Politics and/or Society of Southeast Asia, School of Social Sciences (SOSS)

Established in 2007, the SMU School of Social Sciences (SOSS) provides high quality undergraduate and graduate education expanding SMU's pedagogical strategy to the study of society, government, and individuals embedded within an increasingly complex world. With faculty expertise and research spanning the disciplines of psychology, political science, sociology, and philosophy, SOSS's research covers key thematic areas such as international development, policy and politics, Southeast Asian studies, social movements, and sustainability. The School aspires to make a significant and lasting contribution across sectors through its integrative approach to the study of social issues.

The study of Southeast Asia forms a core research strength for SOSS, with faculty conducting cutting-edge research on the contemporary political, social, and historical issues facing the region. The new position will form a key part of the plans to consolidate the School of Social Sciences' interdisciplinary contribution to research and teaching on Southeast Asia.

Position:

The School of Social Sciences (SOSS) invites applications for one tenure-track position in the Politics and/or Society of Southeast Asia at the level of Assistant Professor, to begin in July 2026. The position will be housed in one of the relevant disciplinary groups represented in SOSS (Political Science or Sociology). The School is particularly interested in candidates who specialise in the politics and/or society of contemporary Southeast Asia, focusing on either individual countries, comparative historical analysis, or the region as a whole. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a highlevel of social science research excellence, appropriate to the rank of position to which they are applying and speak to interdisciplinary academic discussions about Southeast Asia.

The position is designated to hold the Ian Taylor SMU-Oxford Fellowship for a period of up to three years. This appointment includes one term per year at the University of Oxford teaching one course, an annual salary supplement of $24,000.

Singapore Management University is committed to an interdisciplinary and integrated curriculum, providing opportunities to work with faculty across the social sciences as well as across the university. The research support is excellent, and salary and benefits are highly competitive. The teaching load is comparable to other research universities. Junior faculty typically receive a 2-course per year teaching load during their first contract. Undergraduate classes are capped at no more than 48 students.

Experience:

Applicants must have –

•A PhD. in Political Science, Sociology, International Relations, Public Policy,or a closely related discipline.

•A record of, or high potential for, internationally excellent research on the politics and/or society of Southeast Asia.

•Good complementarity with the existing strengths and research focus in the School of Social Sciences.

•Teaching experience or demonstrated teaching aptitude in relevant areas.

•Preparedness to contribute to teaching "Southeast Asia Past and Present," an introductory-level course required of incoming SOSS undergraduate students.

•Ability to contribute teaching in their disciplinary group (Political Science or Sociology) at both the introductory and advanced undergraduate levels.

Desirable qualifications include demonstrated skills and potential teaching capacity in empirical research methods and a strong track record of seeking and securing external research grant funding.

Application:

The application package must be submitted by April 6, 2026:

1. A cover letter describing research and teaching interests
2. Up-to-date CV (including teaching experience and a list of three referees)
3. Professional writing samples (maximum 3)
4. Evidence of teaching effectiveness (such as teaching evaluations irrespective of syllabi)

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interviews. All hires are contingent upon the successful completion of appropriate verification checks.

Applicants for the Assistant Professor position should arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be sent directly to: The Dean's Office, School of Social Sciences.

Further information about the University and the School can be found at https://socsc.smu.edu.sg/

For queries, please email the Dean's Office directly.