Faculty Position in Philosophy and Religion

Truman State University seeks a diverse pool of applicants for a non-tenure-track faculty position in Philosophy and Religion, with some teaching responsibilities in U.S. history, to begin August 2023. The successful applicant has the possibility of multiple reappointments (with 9-month contracts), depending on performance, department needs, and funding.

Responsibilities: 

A 4/4 teaching load providing undergraduate classroom instruction in lower- and upper-division philosophy curriculum— specifically, introductory philosophy, introductory ethics, and advanced ethics courses— and courses in introductory-level U.S. history; fulfillment of additional faculty duties including mentoring students; and providing service to the University and community.

Required Qualifications: 

Requires a Ph.D. in Philosophy or a related field, with an ethics or related value theory Area of Specialization, an open Area of Competency, and a minimum of 18 credit hours of (undergraduate and/or graduate) coursework in U.S. history.

Applicants will be evaluated on…

• academic qualifications;
• compatibility with department and university needs;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, an introductory survey course in philosophy;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, an introductory ethics course;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, an advanced ethics course in applied ethics and public affairs;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, other advanced ethics and value theory courses;
• teaching background in, or the potential for teaching, introductory courses in U.S. history, in the period ranging from 1607 to the present;
• evidence of teaching effectiveness, including potential for fostering undergraduates’ development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• evidence of commitment to liberal arts education, including but not limited to interest and background in interdisciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary teaching, and experience supporting diversity and inclusion; and
• strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Compensation and Rank:  This is an entry-level academic position of Assistant Professor with a salary of $46,200 and a benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and reimbursed assistance for moving expenses.

Program: The Department of Philosophy and Religion is part of the School of Social & Cultural Studies.  The department currently has six full-time faculty members, equally divided between philosophy and religious studies, and approximately 20 undergraduate Philosophy and Religion majors and 35 minors. The department also offers courses in Truman’s core curriculum.  For more information about the Department of Philosophy and Religion, please visit https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/academic-departments/philosophy-and-religion/.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 4,000 students who make up its student body are well prepared for the challenging academics in a supportive environment. More than 20 percent engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Most gain leadership experience and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school within a year of earning a degree. Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public colleges and universities. For more than two decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school and community college, and the Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Round Barn Blues Festival and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, as well as several local shops and restaurants. It is also the site of numerous community events including the Red, White and Blue Festival in the summer and the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival each fall. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to St. Louis provide quick access to one of the Midwest’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Application:  The School of Social and Cultural Studies coordinates the application process.  Applications must be submitted electronically at http://employment.truman.edu/. For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or [email protected].

Complete applications must include: 

• a letter of application that addresses the evaluation criteria, scholarly activity interests, and any other applicant characteristics that merit emphasis,
• current curriculum vitae,
• statement describing the candidate’s teaching philosophy, research interests and goals, as well as the candidate’s commitment to inclusive excellence, to the liberal arts and sciences, and to student development,
• a short writing sample (15 pages or fewer),
• teaching portfolio (a reflective summary or small representative sample of evaluations, and samples of syllabi and assignments),
• copies of graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable), and
• names and contact information for three references; letters of recommendation will be solicited from candidates prior to interviews.

Review of applications will begin on November 14, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available.  Final candidates will be expected to undergo and successfully pass a background check.  Questions about this position may be directed to Dr. Chad Mohler, ([email protected]), Chair, Department of Philosophy and Religion.

Truman State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed

to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act;

women and minority candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.