Assistant Professor of Philosophy

The Philosophy Department at Bates College invites applications for a full-time, tenure track position in Philosophy, to begin July 1, 2026. The department seeks a candidate with an AOS (area of specialty) in moral and/or political philosophy, and an AOC (area of competence) with at least one of the following: Philosophy of Law, Biomedical Ethics, Environmental Ethics, or some area of World Philosophy (such as Africana, Buddhist, Chinese, Indigenous, Islamic, or South American Philosophy). We seek an outstanding scholar with strong commitments to excellent undergraduate teaching and mentorship in a liberal arts context. Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. in philosophy, or provide evidence that the degree will be completed before starting the position.

The position carries a standard five-course annual teaching load. The duties of the position include the three main areas of faculty work: teaching, professional achievement, and governance and engagement. The standards of excellence for faculty at Bates are articulated in Article II of the faculty handbook, and include a commitment to inclusive and evidence-based pedagogy, impactful professional work, and contributions to the broader Bates community. The successful applicant will offer courses in philosophy each year, provide academic advising, and mentor student theses. Successful candidates will be expected to develop a signature and independent research program. We also expect the candidate to take part in our system of shared governance.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vitae
• an article-length writing sample
• a teaching statement that describes how the applicant meets Bates’ standards of excellence in terms of inclusive and evidence-based pedagogy
• a research plan that speaks to the current and future promise of a candidate’s professional work
• letters of recommendation from three referees

Given the wide range of backgrounds of Bates students, we seek candidates who are committed to each student’s success. As part of the submitted statements, we ask that candidates share plans for helping all students succeed, and share evidence of relevant preparation or experience. This can be either in a separate, additional document or integrated into the teaching and research statements. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree. 

Bates College is a residential liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine—a diverse and growing community roughly 45 minutes from Portland, 2 ½ hours north of Boston, and 4 ½ hours south of Montreal. Faculty scholarship and creative work at Bates are robustly supported by start-up packages,  internal grants, and a well-staffed external grants office. Community-engaged learning and study abroad are both broadly encouraged and supported; pedagogical development and innovation is further buttressed by the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning.

Educational access and racial justice are central to Bates’ history and mission and our faculty-led initiatives reflect this commitment. We encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalized groups and from those who may have followed non-traditional pathways to higher education due to societal, economic, or academic circumstances.