Assistant Professor of Comparative Philosophy

Assistant Professor of Comparative Philosophy

The Department of Comparative Philosophy at Randolph College invites applications for a full time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in August 2026. Areas of specialization and areas of competency are open; preference will be given to candidates with teaching strengths in ethics, Africana philosophies, philosophies of the Global South, continental philosophy, philosophy of language and/or philosophy of technology. Our ideal candidate will be an excellent teacher conversant in multiple philosophical traditions who will expand and complement our course offerings beyond our current expertise in Asian religions and philosophies, Western political philosophy, and Analytic epistemology, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of religion.

Ours is a pluralistic department open to various approaches to philosophy. We teach students to grapple with their own habits of thought, as well as the thought worlds, philosophies, and religious and ethical commitments of others. By examining these historical and contemporary meaning-making traditions, we aim to help students critically analyze assumptions, ask meaningful questions, map landscapes of possible answers, and conduct conversations across difference.  We see comparison in philosophy as enlarging our vision and imagination, and thus our capacity for negotiating difficult problems of self and society.  More information about the Department of Comparative Philosophy at Randolph College can be found here:  https://www.randolphcollege.edu/comparative-philosophy/

Primary Responsibilities

The hired candidate will be expected to teach a range of introductory courses in ethics, the history of philosophy, and world philosophies, and advanced undergraduate courses in their areas of expertise. The ideal applicant will also strengthen one or more interdisciplinary partnerships across the college including, but not limited to,: Art and Art History; Black Studies; Cognitive Science; Environmental Studies; and Pre-Health.

Teaching and mentoring students is central to faculty life at Randolph College.  Tenure-track faculty teach six courses per academic year, three per semester.  (Please see the description of our unique “TAKE2” academic schedule below.)  In addition to teaching courses in the Comparative Philosophy department, the candidate will be expected to teach and advise entering first years annually in Randolph College’s interdisciplinary “Life More Abundant” first year seminar.

Additional responsibilities include serving on college committees, participating in college service (such as coordinating our Ethics Bowl team), assisting in academic advising, engaging in scholarly activities, and continued development of the Comparative Philosophy program to meet the evolving needs of our students.

Required qualifications for tenure-track assistant professor

• A Ph.D. in philosophy, religious studies, or related discipline, completed by August 2026
• Evidence of excellence in undergraduate instruction and student mentoring
• Evidence of on-going research and scholarship
• A commitment to inclusive undergraduate teaching and student mentoring in a liberal arts setting

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Randolph College is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other classification protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, termination, placement, transfer, layoff, recall, compensation, and training.

About Randolph College

Randolph College, founded in 1891 as Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, is an innovative liberal arts college with a longstanding reputation for excellence in teaching and an appreciation for and commitment to inclusivity.

In the College’s unique TAKE2 curricular model, students take two courses in seven-week sessions with two sessions per semester. The result is a curriculum that provides time for students to focus on two courses, while balancing other important aspects of the college experience: internships, extracurricular activities, athletics, and jobs.  More information about Randolph College can be found here: http://www.randolphcollege.edu/

About Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg, VA, is located near the geographic center of Virginia, at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its expanding population supports a vibrant downtown, and offers a variety of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. The city boasts ample outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, skiing, and access to a municipal park system with urban trails, playgrounds, and swimming pools. Lynchburg is also known for its strong educational presence, housing five colleges and universities. The city's arts and theater scene is lively, complemented by museums

and a minor league baseball team. Lynchburg is a city with a growing number of employers and businesses, but a comparatively lower cost of living compared to the nearby cities of Charlottesville and Roanoke. Located approximately 180 miles from Washington, D.C., Lynchburg is accessible via an Amtrak station and regional airport.