Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Ethics)

Luther College invites applicants for a 2-year, benefits eligible position at the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Ethics), beginning Fall 2025. Engaged teacher-scholars whose education and experience have prepared them to meet our current needs in ethics and normative theory are encouraged to apply. We seek candidates prepared to contribute to our commitment to academic excellence in teaching, research, and community service. Luther College faculty teach six courses per year spread over fall, January, and spring terms. These courses may contribute to the Philosophy minor, allied programs such as Law and Values and Identity Studies, as well as the college’s core curriculum.

The area of specialization (AOS) for the position is open, with preference for Ethics. The area of competence (AOC) for the position may include: Legal Theory/Philosophy of Law; Social/Political Philosophy, Introduction to Global Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Applied Ethics, Environmental Philosophy, and Basic Logic. 

The successful candidate will contribute to the college’s core curriculum by teaching in the first-year experience sequence, Paideia 111 and 112. Paideia develops students’ ability to read, write, analyze, discuss, and research at the college level by engaging with works drawn from different time periods, genres, and parts of the world. It is taught by faculty members from all divisions of the college, offering important networking and community building opportunities. Robust faculty development is included in the position. 

Luther College hosts a minor in philosophy and faculty bring the tools and insights of philosophy to benefit the college at large, whether through all-college courses, such as those of the Paideia program, through teaching and service in a variety of interdisciplinary programs, through contributions to the Center for Ethics and Public Life, and through college-wide events and college service. The successful candidate will actively participate in the life of the college and teach in the college's interdisciplinary humanities program (Paideia) as well as contribute to interdisciplinary programs such as Law & Values, Identity Studies, and/or Environmental Studies. Candidate dossiers should address how they may be suited to contribute to the mission of the department. With support from program colleagues and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the successful candidate may also be asked to participate in advising, program development, and student recruitment. Candidates with ability and interest to work with students in co-curricular clubs, such as the Philosophy Society, are preferred.

Qualifications: Applicants should hold a Ph.D., and teaching experience is required. The successful candidate will communicate knowledge of and interest in teaching at Luther College, a residential liberal arts college. Candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for and excellence in undergraduate teaching as well as effectiveness in mentoring undergraduates. A collaborative and flexible disposition is an asset and should be addressed in application materials. While applicants holding a Ph.D. are preferred, ABD will be considered at instructor rank.  

Luther College is located in rural Northeast Iowa, a regional hub for outdoor recreation, two nationally recognized healthcare systems, top ranked schools, business, agriculture, specialty retail, dining and tourism.  Major Midwest metropolitan areas within a three-hour driving distance include Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; and Madison, WI. We are an easy drive to La Crosse, WI, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA, and Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic.

At Luther College, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our educational mission and values. We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.

Apply: Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Campus interviews are planned for late March - early April. Apply for the position at https://www.luther.edu/offices/hr/careers. Applicants’ dossier should include:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position at Luther College as articulated above, documenting your training and experience appropriate to the position;
• Curriculum vitae, including AOS and AOCs;
• Teaching statement (3 pages or less) including your pedagogical approach, evidence of your commitment to improving your teaching, how your teaching seeks to reach all students through your approach to student engagement and course design, and how your teaching complements a liberal arts education;
• Evidence of effective teaching (e.g., sample syllabi and assignment and in-class activity descriptions, student evaluations, LMS screenshots, other relevant course materials that substantiate your teaching statement);
• Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts;
• Contact information for three references (name, institutional affiliation, email and phone), at least one of which can speak to your teaching effectiveness. References will only be contacted for those candidates invited for a campus visit with prior notification to the candidate.

The current salary range for this position is $52,000–$58,000 for assistant professors with 0-5 years of experience (academic year salary plus benefits); placement on scale is dependent on credentials and applicable experience. Additional funding opportunities are available (travel funding, summer teaching, summer undergraduate research, grant research, etc.). 

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Holly Moore, Search Chair, Department of Philosophy, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101; phone: 563-387-1222; email: hollymoore@luther.edu. Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website www.luther.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to hr@luther.edu.

Salary : $52,000 - $58,000