Open Rank Professor of Philosophy

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY. The Department of Philosophy invites applications for an Open Rank position with an area of specialization in political philosophy and areas of competence in Philosophy of Law or Ethics.  The anticipated start date will be July 1st, 2026. 

Candidates coming in at the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor must have earned a PhD in Philosophy by the date of employment. Such candidates must also have a record of publication in top journals, as well as teaching experience at the university level. The expectation is that candidates coming in at the rank of Full or Associate Professor will come in with tenure. Such candidates must possess a PhD in Philosophy OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience, including a PhD in a closely related field, and a distinguished record of scholarship and teaching in Philosophy. 

The individual hired will be expected to teach courses at the undergraduate level in political philosophy, philosophy of law or ethics, as well as courses in other core areas including Introduction to Philosophy. The individual hired will also be expected to engage actively in scholarship and participate in departmental, college, and university service.

The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to join an R1 department invested in rebuilding after a number of retirements.  The Department of Philosophy at Lehigh University is small and collegial, offering both major and minor programs at the undergraduate level.  The teaching load is 2/2. The successful candidate will contribute to shaping and enriching the research, intellectual and cultural life of the department.

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. Recognized among the nation's highly ranked research universities, Lehigh offers a rigorous academic community for over 7,500 students. Lehigh University has some 5,800 undergraduates, 1,800 graduate students, and nearly 600 full-time faculty members. Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, PA, a vibrant and historic area. Over 840,000 people live in the Lehigh Valley, which is in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.

Review of applications will begin on  October the 18th, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be received by October 17th, 2025. Applicants should submit their materials via Interfolio.

Tenure track Assistant professor: apply.interfolio.com/173789

Tenure Associate/Full: apply.interfolio.com/173890

Candidates should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter (in which the candidate also addresses how they will contribute to the Lehigh Principles of Our Equitable Community https://catalog.lehigh.edu/equitable/)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement that describes past scholarly contributions and future research directions
• Teaching statement that describes instructional philosophy and courses that the candidate would want to teach or develop.
• Writing sample.
• Contact details of at least, and not more than, 3 references. 

Any inquiries regarding this search should be directed to Prof. Ricki Bliss, Chair of the search committee, at [email protected].

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national origin (including shared ancestry), pregnancy or related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse academic community and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to this mission. Lehigh University provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including domestic partner benefits, and supports faculty members’ work/life balance.