Johns Hopkins University is inviting applications for multiple tenure-track Assistant Professor positions at its new School of Government and Policy in Washington, D.C. The recruitment spans a broad range of academic disciplines, including political science, law, sociology, history, philosophy, computer science and economics.
The positions offer an opportunity for scholars whose research addresses major questions surrounding government, public policy, institutions, technology and society. Applications are being considered on a rolling basis, with October 25, 2026 set as the date for full consideration.
About the Johns Hopkins School of Government and Policy
The Johns Hopkins University School of Government and Policy is based at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. The school is being developed as a multidisciplinary hub focused on government effectiveness, public policy and complex societal challenges.
The school aims to bring together scholars and practitioners from different disciplines while combining rigorous research with innovative approaches to education and public engagement.
Over its founding years, the school expects to grow to approximately 35 full-time faculty members, with expertise covering theoretical and applied approaches to government and public policy.
Academic Disciplines and Research Areas
The faculty search is broad and includes, but is not limited to:
- Political science
- Law
- Sociology
- History
- Philosophy
- Computer science
- Economics
- Public administration
- Urban planning
- Management and organizational behavior
- Psychology
- Operations research
- Industrial and systems engineering
- Cognitive science
The university has identified several particular areas of research interest.
Cities and Communities
One area focuses on state and local policymaking and implementation.
Candidates may come from disciplines such as economics, history, law, sociology, political science, public administration, civil engineering and urban planning.
Potential research interests include:
- Local governance.
- State capacity.
- Urban innovation.
- Housing and real estate.
- Public education and school choice.
- Transportation and land use.
- Local finance and budgeting.
Frontier AI
Another research area examines the implications of highly advanced artificial intelligence for government and society.
The school welcomes candidates from fields including computer science, economics, philosophy, law, political science, cognitive science and sociology.
Potential topics include:
- AI alignment and governance.
- Government and societal impacts of AI.
- Labor-market effects and adaptation to AI.
- Using AI to simulate and design policy interventions.
- Regulatory theory and innovation.
- Institutional design and innovation.
- AI evaluation, auditing and verification.
This area provides an opportunity for scholars investigating the intersection of artificial intelligence, institutions, public policy and governance.
Political Philosophy and Theory
The school is also seeking scholars conducting foundational research in political philosophy and political theory with direct relevance to government and public policy.
The search particularly welcomes researchers whose work connects philosophical and theoretical approaches with broader real-world policy questions and complements other areas of the school’s research.
The school describes an interest in problem-focused and interdisciplinary scholarship drawing on different conceptual, methodological and empirical approaches.
Public-Sector Innovation and Management
Another research focus examines how governments and public-sector organizations operate, why they succeed or fail, and how organizational systems can be changed to address public problems more effectively.
Relevant fields include:
- Social sciences.
- Management.
- History.
- Organizational behavior.
- Psychology.
- Urban planning.
- Operations research.
- Industrial and systems engineering.
- Management science.
- Public management.
- Public policy.
Potential research topics include institutional reform, organizational change, public innovation, government problem solving, budgeting, procurement, contracting, state capacity, bureaucratic performance and technology adoption within government.
Regulation, Bureaucracy and Public Administration
The school is also interested in scholarship examining why governments may fail to deliver intended policy outcomes and what institutional redesigns could improve implementation.
Potential areas include:
- Civil service and personnel systems.
- Federalism.
- Implementation of large public programmes.
- Intergovernmental relations.
- Regulation and enforcement.
- Regulatory capture.
- Administrative procedure.
- Policy analysis.
- State capacity.
Candidates from political science, law, public administration, history, sociology and related fields are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in an appropriate field or a J.D. by the time their appointment begins.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate:
- Outstanding independent research ability.
- Promise for excellent teaching.
- Strong mentoring potential.
- Potential for public engagement.
- Ability to work and learn across disciplines.
The school is particularly interested in scholars who can contribute to interdisciplinary research and who take seriously questions surrounding government effectiveness.
Salary and Position Details
The position is based in Washington, D.C., at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Government and Policy.
The stated overall expected salary range is $100,000 to $200,000, depending on factors including discipline, rank and other considerations. The university notes that not every candidate will be eligible for the upper end of the range.
The faculty positions are tenure-track Assistant Professor appointments.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should prepare the following materials:
- Cover letter.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Two writing samples.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Applications are submitted through Interfolio Faculty Search.
The university states that applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but candidates should submit their applications by October 25, 2026 for full consideration.
How to Apply
Eligible scholars should prepare their application materials and submit them through the Johns Hopkins University School of Government and Policy recruitment process via Interfolio.
Candidates should use their cover letter and research materials to clearly demonstrate their academic background, independent research agenda, teaching potential and relevance to one or more of the school’s research areas.
Because the search covers multiple disciplines and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, candidates should avoid waiting until the final day where possible.
Key Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Johns Hopkins University |
| School | School of Government and Policy |
| Position | Assistant Professor |
| Appointment | Tenure-track |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Salary range | $100,000–$200,000 |
| Disciplines | Multiple fields |
| Degree requirement | Ph.D. or J.D. by appointment start |
| Application materials | Cover letter, CV, 2 writing samples, 3 recommendation letters |
| Application platform | Interfolio |
| Review | Rolling basis |
| Full consideration deadline | October 25, 2026 |
Final Takeaway
The Johns Hopkins University School of Government and Policy Faculty Jobs 2026 provide opportunities for scholars across a wide range of disciplines to join a growing academic institution focused on government, public policy and interdisciplinary research.
The search includes research areas spanning cities and communities, frontier AI, political philosophy and theory, public-sector innovation and management, and regulation, bureaucracy and public administration.
Applicants with a Ph.D. or J.D. by the start of their appointment and demonstrated research and teaching potential can apply for the tenure-track Assistant Professor positions. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with October 25, 2026 identified as the deadline for full consideration.
