Albert Somit's career at the University at Buffalo began in 1966 when he was hired as chair of the Department of Political Science, a position he would hold until 1969. Somit served as the university's executive vice president (1970-1980) and acting president (October 1976-February 1977), all the while maintaining his teaching duties. He left the university in 1980 to become the chief executive of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.