Assistant Professor of Philosophy

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Assistant Professor of Philosophy is a full-time tenure-track position beginning in Fall 2027. 

The Department of Philosophy in Widener University's College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Philosophy beginning in Fall 2027. The successful candidate must be prepared to teach Symbolic Logic (sentential and first-order predicate logic) and introductory ethics. The ability to teach business ethics is a plus. The teaching load is 4-3. It will include regular sections of Symbolic Logic and ethics courses serving the University's general education program, as well as courses in the candidate's areas of expertise. Faculty may also teach ASC-101: Thinking Through, a course required of all incoming students in the University's Foundations and Transformations general education program, in which each section is built around a pressing question chosen by the instructor. Faculty may also contribute to the department's Ethical Reasoning certificate and minor. We seek a colleague committed to excellent undergraduate teaching who maintains an active scholarly agenda appropriate to a teaching-focused institution.

Widener is a metropolitan university in Chester, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Many of our students are first-generation college students, and many are preparing for careers in nursing, business, engineering, and other professional fields. Philosophy courses at Widener, particularly logic and ethics, serve students across the university, most of whom are not philosophy majors. We are looking for a teacher who finds that work meaningful and knows how to reach students who did not arrive expecting to study philosophy.

The Ph.D. in Philosophy or a closely related field is required by August 15, 2027.

Widener University is committed to fostering an environment in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. The College of Arts and Sciences puts high priority on inclusive pedagogy, inclusive mentoring, and community engagement. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, or who would enjoy it, and who can contribute to a climate of inclusivity, are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas throughout their application.

To apply: Complete the online application form at widener.edu/jobs. Submit the following as a single PDF:

1. A cover letter that addresses three items:
• Your preparation to teach Symbolic Logic (e.g., prior teaching or TA experience in formal logic, or graduate coursework).
• Your preparation to teach introductory ethics, and business ethics if applicable.
• Your current and planned scholarship.
2. A CV.
3. A statement of teaching philosophy.
4. Evidence of teaching effectiveness, consisting at minimum of course evaluations, one sample syllabus, and one sample assignment.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Longlisted candidates will be asked to arrange for three confidential letters of reference and to provide graduate transcripts. First-round interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Review of applications will begin on November 2, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

For more information about Widener University and the Department of Philosophy, see www.widener.edu.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

Teaching

• Three or four classes a semester in Fall and Spring in area of expertise and/or first-year courses.

Research

• Establish and maintain a successful research program in the candidate’s field.

Academic Citizenship

• Participate in departmental faculty meetings focused on departmental operations and planning and faculty development, including pedagogical strategies and student support initiatives.
• Participate in humanities division, college, and university meetings focused on faculty governance, curricular development, and enhancing campus-wide inclusive excellence.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned and participation in the intellectual life of the Department, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• A demonstrated commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching, as shown in teaching materials and evaluations.
• Competence to teach symbolic logic through first-order predicate logic, as shown by prior teaching or TA experience in formal logic, or graduate coursework.
• Ability to teach introductory ethics.
• An active scholarly agenda appropriate to a teaching-focused institution.
• A Ph.D. in Philosophy or a closely related field by August 15, 2027.

Preferred:

• Ability to teach business ethics.
• Interest in interdisciplinary teaching, including ASC-101: Thinking Through, the University's required first-year course, in which each section is organized around a pressing question chosen by the instructor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS: 

• Must be available for in-person instruction.
• Must have the ability to speak clearly and audibly to deliver lectures, facilitate classroom discussions and interact with students and colleagues.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy. U.S. work authorization is required.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.