Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Philosophy and Religion

JOB TITLE

Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Philosophy and Religion

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Humanities & Arts

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

Job Description Summary

The Department of Humanities and Arts (HUA) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Philosophy and Religion beginning August 2026. Preferred candidates will have AOC or AOS qualifying them to teach courses in environmental philosophy and religious studies, sections of an introductory course in philosophy and religion, and two advanced seminars (on subjects of their choice). The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, intellectual versatility, and scholarly achievement, joining the philosophy and religion subgroup of the Humanities and Arts Department. Candidate’s background should broadly complement existing faculty strengths and interests, which include political philosophy, feminism and gender studies, Chinese and Islamic studies, environmental philosophy, animal ethics, and contemporary spirituality. One-year contract, competitive salary, eight-course load spread over four seven-week terms. Applicants should send materials, including CV, a letter of interest, evidence of teaching excellence, one sample publication, and three letters of recommendation. Must have PhD in hand. Questions may be sent to Prof. John Sanbonmatsu (js@wpi.edu).

Job Description

Job responsibilities:

To teach eight 7-week courses (two courses per term), including offerings such as:

• PY/RE 1731: Introduction to Philosophy and Religion
  
  

This course provides an overview of key concepts, methods and authors in both fields. These introduce the student to the types of reasoning required for the pursuit of in-depth analysis in each discipline. Emphasis on topics and authors varies with the particular instructor.

• PY 2734: Philosophy and Spirituality
  
  

Spirituality is a philosophical perspective which stresses the role of virtue in happiness and morality; a psychological perspective on emotions and desire; and an essential dimension of religious life. This course will investigate the many dimensions of spiritual thought and practice, focusing on questions such as: What similarities/differences exist among the spiritual teachings of traditional religions? What is the place of spirituality in medicine (e.g.,meditation as treatment for stress), our relation to nature (e.g., the experience of a sunset), and political life (e.g., Gandhi, King, spiritual environmentalism)?

• PY 3712: Philosophy of Religion
  
  

This course will focus on philosophical questions concerning the following topics: the existence and nature of God; the compatibility of God and evil; the nature of religious faith and the relationship between religion, science and ethics; interpretations of the nature of religious language; the philosophically interesting differences between Western and Eastern religions; philosophical critiques of the role of religion in social life. Authors may include: Hume, Kant, Kierkegaard, Buber, Tillich, Daly, Nietzsche and Buddha.

• PY 2717: Philosophy and the Environment
  
  

What is the scope of the current environmental crisis? What does this crisis reveal about the philosophical presuppositions and dominant values of our intellectual worldviews and social institutions? How can existing social theories help explain the environmental crisis? What implications does the crisis have for our sense of personal identity? What moral and spiritual resources can help us respond to it? Readings will be taken from contemporary and historical philosophers and naturalists.

• HU 3900: Inquiry Seminar
  
  

Advanced seminars in philosophy and/or religion serve as the capstone of WPI’s Humanities and Arts requirement. These courses emphasize sustained critical inquiry, research, writing, and engagement with diverse perspectives. Examples of prior course themes include: The Meaning of Life; Philosophy of Film; Queerly Religious, etc.

The hired candidate will have the opportunity to participate in initiatives conducted by the Humanities and Arts Department and the University.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Philosophy or Religion strongly preferred.
• Evidence of successful classroom teaching at the university level
• History of professional accomplishments in the form of publications.
  
  

To Apply

As part of your application, please submit:

• A cover letter that describes your interests, values, and practices as a scholar and teacher
• C.V. that contains academic and professional experience and includes names and contact information for three professional references
• Examples of scholarly work (no more than two).
  
  

We will ask for letters of reference and a teaching portfolio for short-listed candidates only.

Application deadline: Review of applications will begin March 19, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

About WPI

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1865, is one of the nation’s oldest technological universities. WPI’s mission is to create and convey scientific and technical knowledge in ways that benefit society. Education in the humanities and arts, which music is a part of, is central to this societal connection. Its innovative project‐enriched curriculum engages students and faculty in real‐world problem solving, often at one of WPI’s global project centers. At WPI the boundaries to multidisciplinary collaboration are low. Faculty members, students, and other partners work together on real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. We are most proud of a No. 1 ranking for “faculty who best combine research and teaching.” (Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Ed, 2016). Located one hour west of Boston, the university’s campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21st century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation.

Compensation: $78,000 - $80,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.