Curator of Hong Kierkegaard Library (EXPIRED)

The Department of Philosophy at St. Olaf College invites applications for Curator of the Howard V. and Edna H. Hong Kierkegaard Library. The Curator’s primary responsibilities are to promote scholarship on Kierkegaard, provide leadership for the Library’s programming, and oversee the Library’s collection. This is a full-time, tenure track position in Philosophy at the rank of Associate Professor to begin August 2022. 

One-third of this appointment is to support an active research program. Area of specialization is Kierkegaard and Continental Philosophy; area of concentration is open, with teaching needs in early modern philosophy. Knowledge of Danish is required. Ph.D. in philosophy or a related field is required. Candidates whose PhD is in a related field should have a strong background in philosophy. Candidates should have a strong record of scholarship on Kierkegaard’s philosophical work and demonstrated excellence in teaching undergraduates. For an appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, St. Olaf requires a probationary period not to exceed three years before granting tenure, which is contingent on a record of successful teaching, research, and service at the College.

The department is particularly interested in applicants who can and will advance the college’s goals for diversity, equity and inclusion. We request that in the letter of application, candidates address their potential to contribute to the St. Olaf community that maintains a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color and members of other underrepresented groups in accordance with our equity goals.

 The Curator is a full time member of the Philosophy Department with administrative responsibilities in the Hong Kierkegaard Library. Teaching responsibilities include teaching two courses per year in the Philosophy Department or in another department and/or program, such as the Nordic Studies program. The responsibilities of curating the Library include developing and preserving the collection, directing the Visiting Scholars program, mentoring scholars, acting as faculty advisor to the undergraduate journal The Reed, editing the Soren Kierkegaard newsletter, and arranging an International Kierkegaard Conference every fourth year. Curating the Library requires substantial duties during the summer. We are looking for candidates who have an active, ongoing research program, the ability to foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for a diverse community of scholars, and the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders (including donors and potential donors, Friends of the Hong Kierkegaard Library, and the HKL International Library Committee). Additional service duties of St. Olaf faculty members include advising, serving on committees, and fulfilling other departmental and institutional obligations.

Applicants must submit materials online at https://stolaf.hiretouch.com/faculty-postings. A complete application includes:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Writing sample
• Evidence of teaching excellence
• Statement of research and interest
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• The contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship (St. Olaf solicits letters directly upon submission of application.)

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2021, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will be given full consideration. Finalist interviews are expected in February 2022. Questions about the position, department, or college may be directed to Corliss Swain, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected]. Applicants who need assistance with the online application process should call 507-786-3356.

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff employees. It is located in Northfield, Minnesota, about 45 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul with their rich and diverse cultural resources. The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community.

St. Olaf College is proud to be:

• Included in multiple editions of Colleges that Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College
• An institutional member of the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity
• Ranked #1 among baccalaureate colleges in the number of students who study abroad
• One of the top producers of Fulbright U.S. students among liberal arts colleges
• Ranked #20 for best undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report, 2018

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.