Assistant Professor

The Department of Philosophy at California State University, Fresno invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2026.  Our new colleague will teach undergraduate courses in our Pre-Law curriculum, advise students (with their major and as they prepare for law school), supervise student research, conduct and publish research, develop curriculum, and facilitate community outreach.  We seek an individual who is enthusiastic about working cooperatively with faculty and staff in the Philosophy Department, the College of Arts and Humanities, and departments campuswide that are associated with the Pre-Law program. Areas of Specialization (AOS): Philosophy and Law; Area of Competence (AOC): Epistemology and/or Logic; the successful candidate will be able to teach epistemology, critical thinking, and logic. 

Faculty typically teach 12 WTUs (four courses) per semester.  Faculty may apply for assigned time course reductions to support scholarly and/or creative activities.  The current faculty contract provides for a course release each semester for the faculty member’s first two years.  Release time normally accompanies leadership positions.  In summary, the successful candidate will teach and develop courses; advise and mentor students with respect to both their major (whether Philosophy, Pre-Law, or Religious Studies) and their law school preparation; conduct scholarly research; serve on department, college, and university committees; engage in community service; and actively participate in Philosophy Department activities and programming.

Our students: California State University, Fresno is committed to serving our students with a focus on inclusion. Fresno State has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI); and has been designated to the Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Qualifications:

Required Education (from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent):

1. An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Philosophy or a closely related discipline from an accredited (or equivalent) institution. 
2. Applicants nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered; however, for appointment, the doctorate must be completed by August 1, 2026.

Required Experience:

1. Commitment to and preparedness for teaching in philosophy of law, critical thinking, logic, and epistemology.
2. Commitment to and preparedness for advising and mentoring pre-law students.
3. A record of distinguished scholarship in philosophy and law commensurate with years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Excellence in teaching philosophy, broadly construed.
2. Excellence in teaching students with various learning needs, especially with respect to the student body found at Fresno State.
3. Excellence in service, especially with respect to advising students.
4. Potential for excellence in scholarship as demonstrated in a rich research agenda, especially with respect to philosophy and law, as well as any additional research interests.
5. Interest in developing special curricular programs for advanced pre-law students, such as a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program or something similar.

Application Procedures:

Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2026.  The committee may choose to review applications submitted after this date.  All positions automatically close on March 31, 2026. Note: All positions at Fresno State are subject to funding availability. 

Apply online at:  https://careers.fresnostate.edu/

Attach the following:

1. Letter of interest or cover letter specifically addressing required experience and preferred qualifications as well as your interest in teaching Fresno State students.
2. Current curriculum vitae.
3. Names and contact information of three professional references.
4. A statement about your approach to teaching and advising in the position fields and examples of your own experience, skills, and evolution in teaching practices–not to exceed two pages. 
5. A representative example of your scholarship.
6. One sample syllabus, ideally for a course in Philosophy and Law. Applicants invited for phone or video interviews may be asked to provide additional syllabi (for example, in epistemology, logic, or critical thinking).

Additional information may be requested.

Candidates invited for an on-campus visit must submit by mail/e-mail within the designated deadline. The Search Chair will send information and requests for these items:

1. Three current letters of recommendation (dated within 12 months of full consideration date.)
2. Official transcripts