Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), invites applications for a fixed-term postdoctoral fellow (2-year appointment) in Philosophy.

This position is a two-year appointment to begin August 1, 2026. Given the time crunch, we are amenable to online instruction for the Fall semester.

The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for teaching the equivalent of eight courses per year (four per semester) and may also serve on departmental committees. The department has curricular needs in our SMP (Science, Mind, Philosophy) and ELP (Ethics, Law, and Politics) programs, but we are considering all applicants. The candidate may also be asked to teach courses in our Core Humanities program, if there is a reasonable fit.

Postdoctoral Fellow Statement

The University of Nevada, Reno reserves the right to hire at any level of Postdoctoral fellow (I-IV) or Teaching Assistant/Associate/Professor (terminal degree candidates) that is appropriate for the hire.

Required Qualifications

PhD in philosophy or related field in hand by August 1, 2026. A developing or established research agenda in any area of philosophy. Demonstrated excellence in, or potential for, teaching undergraduate courses in philosophy.

Preferred Qualifications

Because of the particular responsibilities associated with this position, an area of specialization in the philosophy of science and/or the history of philosophy (especially ancient philosophy) is strongly preferred. Evidence of attention to diversity, equity and inclusion in research, teaching and/or service is also preferred.

Compensation Grade

Salary is based on related education and experience, internal equity, and budgets. To view salary schedules, please visit: Salary Schedules.

Perks of working at UNR

• Our retirement plan is beyond compare. Your 19.25% contribution is generously matched by the University. With the faculty retirement plan, you are 100% vested your first day. Sit back and watch your retirement dollars grow! All permanent employees on an annual "A" or "B" contract who are employed at least 50% full-time are eligible to participate in the NSHE retirement program unless they are members of PERS of Nevada. 
• Health insurance options including dental and vision
• Generous annual and sick leave, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Several Diversity Committees and Affinity Groups focusing on campus-wide diversity initiatives to ensure we are working to create a diverse and welcoming campus climate. Diversity Groups Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty.
• No state income tax
• Grants-in-aid: The University is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Dependents of faculty have unlimited credits, but in order to be eligible children must be unmarried and under the age of 24 and must receive at least 50% of their financial support from the employee and/or employee's spouse or domestic partner.

Department Information

The UNR Department of Philosophy administers BA and MA degree programs, with two tracks at the undergraduate level, one in general philosophy, and the other in ethics, law, and politics. The department has about 80 majors, and an equal number of minors. In recent years, the department has experienced growth in research productivity and external funding awards. The department expects to play a noteworthy role in the university's long-term expansion plans through its course offerings and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additional information about the Department can be found at https://www.unr.edu/philosophy.  

College and University Information  

The University of Nevada, Reno and the College of Liberal Arts strongly value diversity, equity, and inclusion. Besides housing a growing interdisciplinary Department of Gender, Race and Identity Studies, the College has a Latino Research Center and affiliated faculty in the Ozmen Institute for Global Studies. The College plays an active role in addressing racism, bias and inequities in society and at the local level. For examples of the innovative and unique ways we work to dismantle racism, visit our Diversity, Research and Engagement website. The College emphasizes inquiry, discovery, and openness to new ideas and perspectives and supports major scholarly research and creative activity in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.  

The University of Nevada, Reno is a public Research 1 land-grant institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education with a student population of approximately 22,000, including over 3,000 graduate students. We are a comprehensive, doctoral university that has been designated as a Carnegie R1 institution with very high research activity and a Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Nearly half of our students are students of color, and we are officially an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. In accordance with the University's land grant, tier-one research institution mission, our faculty are expected to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service in a pluralistic environment. The University has dynamic intellectual, artistic and sports life and a close relationship to the city of Reno, an emerging tech and innovation hub with a diverse population and a rich cultural history that hosts an active art, music and festival scene.

  Known for its proximity to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno is a vibrant, diverse and growing city located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, about 200 miles east of San Francisco, about 100 miles east of Sacramento and 30 miles north of the state capital, Carson City. Combined with the neighboring city of Sparks, the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area has a population of more than 500,000. Reno is only 30-45 minutes from Lake Tahoe and major ski resorts and is rated one of the top locations in the United States for living and outdoor recreation. It has an international airport with direct flights to many U.S. transportation hubs and to Mexico. For more information about the city and the surrounding area, please visit www.cityofreno.com and www.visitrenotahoe.com.  

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. We are an inclusive and engaged community and recognize the added value that students, faculty and staff from different backgrounds bring to the education experience. We believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity and inclusivity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. The University of Nevada, Reno is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.  

Founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno is the State of Nevada's land grant institution with a statewide mission and presence. The University of Nevada, Reno is a Carnegie I Research Institution and has been recognized as a "Top Tier" Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. With an enrollment of nearly 21,000 students we offer 145 Tier 1 accredited degree programs. Located in the picturesque Truckee Meadows the University of Nevada, Reno is surrounded by numerous state and national parks, is 45 minutes from beautiful Lake Tahoe, and four hours from San Francisco. The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. We are an inclusive and engaged community and recognize the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience. The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a persons age, disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, or religion.

Open Until Filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Position is open until filled. First review of applications will begin July 1, 2026.  

Note to Applicant  

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member's first day of employment. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process. Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify. As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks. 

  Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.