Assistant Professor of Philosophy

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Truman State University

The School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University seeks applicants for a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Philosophy to begin August 2026.

This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman’s campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University’s core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed. 

Non-tenure-track, term Assistant Professor appointments are subject to annual renewal. The initial term of the appointment is three years. Additional three-year terms may continue indefinitely based on the needs and budget of the university and positive performance review. 

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will have a 4/4 teaching load, providing undergraduate classroom instruction in the lower- and upper-division philosophy curriculum and multi/interdisciplinary curriculum within the faculty member’s competency areas.  Additional faculty duties include collaborating in the ongoing assessment of the program; contributing to academic initiatives in the department; participating collegially in departmental activities; and performing other occasional service to the University.

Required qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Philosophy or a closely related field, with an open area of specialization, and an open area of competency.  All-but-dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered, but a Ph.D. must be completed by the start date. 

Preferred qualifications

In addition to having an interest in candidates who can teach introductory ethics and introduction to philosophy courses, the department has a specific interest in candidates who can offer lower-level and/or upper-level courses in one or more of the following areas:

• Philosophy and public affairs
• Biomedical ethics
• Data ethics
• Philosophy of technology (including AI)
• Feminist ethics
• Business ethics
• Environmental ethics
• Political philosophy
• Philosophy of law
• Classical Greek philosophy
• Virtue ethics
• Philosophy as a way of life
• Philosophy and literature
• Philosophy of language / hermeneutics
• Philosophy of science
• Philosophy of religion
• Symbolic logic

Applicants will be evaluated on:

• academic qualifications;
• the potential for teaching courses listed above under “Preferred qualifications;”
• evidence of teaching effectiveness, including potential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in undergraduates;
• strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; and
• commitment to a broad-minded approach to learning of the kind found in an interdisciplinary, liberal arts and sciences education.

Benefits: Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses.  Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year.  More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.

Program: Social Sciences and Human Inquiry is a multidisciplinary department housing the following academic majors: Criminal Justice Studies, History, Philosophy & Religion, Political Science & International Relations, Social Issue Advocacy, and Sociology/Anthropology.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Application: Applications must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/182612

For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or [email protected].

Completed applications must include:

• a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above;
• a teaching portfolio that includes a statement of teaching philosophy and that provides evidence of the candidate’s commitment to teaching excellence, the liberal arts and sciences, and student development;
• a writing sample (no longer than 30 pages);
• a current curriculum vitae;
• official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire);
• names and contact information for 3 references.

Review of applications will begin on April 3, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates will be expected to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to Kathryn Brammall, Chair of Social Sciences and Human Inquiry ([email protected]). Please include “Philosophy Search” in the subject line.

Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law.  We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment.  Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and [email protected].

 Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.  To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or [email protected].