Assistant Professor, Applied Ethics (EXPIRED)

The Department of Humanities, in collaboration with our Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions, warmly welcomes applications for the role of tenure-track Assistant Professor of Applied Ethics. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Ethics, Philosophy, or a related field, specializing in areas such as food and food systems ethics, bioethics, or neuroethics. Additionally, we are interested in fostering an Ethics Center that engages with these themes as they intersect with historically marginalized communities, which can include but are not limited to intersections with race, indigeneity, class, and gender. We particularly invite applicants who have an interest in developing active collaborations with programs at The Institute for Food Safety and Health, or our strengths in bio and life sciences. The standard teaching load for this position is 1-2 for the first two years, and 2-2 thereafter, with a planned start date in Fall 2024.

Founded in 1976, the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions was the first interdisciplinary center of its kind to focus on ethics in the professions, and since then has continued to be one of the nation’s leading centers on practical and professional ethics. The mission of the Center is to educate students as responsible professionals, to reflect on the wider implications of scientific progress, and to contribute to the shaping of technology in accordance with fundamental human values. Research programs in the Center focus on ethics in the life sciences and ethical and societal issues of emerging technologies, with a particular focus on the philosophical and ethical aspects of neuroscience and artificial intelligence.   Situated within the Lewis College of Science and Letters, the Department of Humanities has ten full-time faculty members. The department offers bachelor’s degrees in Humanities and Technical Communication, as well as a new BS degree in Game Design and Experiential Media. In addition to its bachelor’s programs, the department plays a central role in delivering the core curriculum requirements of the university.

Illinois Tech is a private Ph.D.-granting research university with world-renowned programs in engineering, computing, architecture, the sciences, humanities and social sciences, psychology, business, law, and design. It is ranked #98 in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report National Universities category and #1 in the state of Illinois and #23 nationally in the Wall Street Journal America’s Best Colleges 2024. Founded in 1890, Illinois Tech was built on the promise to provide access to higher education for students from all different backgrounds and to make a difference in the world through technology-oriented education. This guiding mission and purpose – where students, including those underrepresented in technology, could prepare for meaningful roles in a changing industrial society and achieve professional and economic advancement – remains just as relevant today. As such, diversity and inclusion are part of the day-to-day experience at Illinois Tech and a central component of its culture. Illinois Tech is home to a diverse and global student population, is committed to providing opportunities to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this position, especially those underrepresented in the field.   Applicants should prepare the following:

• A cover letter, which includes a statement of research, teaching, and commitment and actions toward creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive academic environment in which students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
• A curriculum vitae
• All documents aside from CV and Cover letter should be submitted as a single PDF portfolio.

Applicants who are selected for additional interaction with the search committee will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three references as well as a writing sample. The initial review of applications will begin December 31, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Matthew Bauer ([email protected]).