What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Ethics) position at Xavier University of Louisiana?
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Position Title
Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Ethics)
FLSA
Department
Department Of Philosophy
Job Summary
The Department of Philosophy at Xavier University of Louisiana invites applicants for a tenure-track position in Philosophy at the rank of assistant professor beginning August 2027. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Philosophy or a related field.
The department is looking for an innovative and dynamic scholar dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. This position is part of the newly launched MA program in the Ethics of Technology, Health, and Science at Xavier University of Louisiana. The program aims to develop high-quality education, offer students research opportunities, and serve both the University and the broader community. The primary responsibility of this role will be to teach in this emerging program. Ideal candidates should have teaching experience and a publication record in a field relevant to the program. While research focus is open, we prefer candidates with experience and interest in Bioethics, Medical Ethics, Philosophy of Science and Technology, and/or Neuroethics. The department values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is particularly interested in candidates who can effectively teach in a diverse university environment and demonstrate a commitment to supporting the success of students from varied backgrounds.
Duties and Job Requirements:
About the Department
The Department of Philosophy has five full-time faculty members. It offers a wide variety of courses in Philosophy and in the Core Curriculum. The Department seeks to offer students ways to approach and understand the examined life and the role of reason in human affairs. The study of philosophy includes training in logic and the techniques of evaluating varying points of view, and training in ethics regarding conceptions of the good life and the importance of achieving justice in society.
It also includes consideration of the ideas of the true, the good, and the beautiful as keys to self-knowledge and the concern for others. Instruction in these areas of thought aims at making connections with the other fields of knowledge and the education of the whole person. It focuses on supplying students with the means to confront the issues of today and to provide a basis for an active, reflective life that will aid them in assuming leadership roles in their chosen careers. The Department is proud of the quality of instruction, accomplishments of their students and to be launching our new Masters in the Ethics of Technology, Health, and Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Special Requirements Summary
Work Hours
Full-Time
KSA's
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F196P
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
08/01/2027
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Date
09/10/2026
Application Review Date
09/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
How to Apply-Required Documentation:
Qualified candidates are invited to apply using Xavier's online application site by logging in to https://jobs.xula.edu. Please submit the following materials:
(1) a cover letter emphasizing qualifications for this position;
(2) a comprehensive CV;
(3) a statement of teaching philosophy;
(4) a statement of research philosophy; and
(5) at least three references who can provide letters of recommendation.
Please contact the search committee chair, Dr. James Dunson, jdunson@xula.edu, for additional information or questions.
Xavier University of Louisiana is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Department of Philosophy is especially interested in exceptionally well-qualified applicants who will contribute, through their research, teaching, and service to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Screening of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All applications received before October 15, 2026, are assured consideration.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.xula.edu/postings/3961
About Xavier
About Xavier
About Xavier University of Louisiana
Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier University of Louisiana is the only Catholic Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Located in New Orleans, the ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. Xavier University of Louisiana's current enrollment is 3,419. Of these, 2,693 are undergraduates and 205 are graduate students enrolled in Masters and Doctoral programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, there are 518 students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy, which offers the Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies, the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Doctor of Pharmacy. Xavier's student body is 80% African American, with approximately 37% from Louisiana, primarily from the New Orleans area. The balance comes from 42 other states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and several countries.
Posting Summary
Position Title
Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Ethics)
FLSA
Department
Department Of Philosophy
Job Summary
The Department of Philosophy at Xavier University of Louisiana invites applicants for a tenure-track position in Philosophy at the rank of assistant professor beginning August 2027. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Philosophy or a related field.
The department is looking for an innovative and dynamic scholar dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. This position is part of the newly launched MA program in the Ethics of Technology, Health, and Science at Xavier University of Louisiana. The program aims to develop high-quality education, offer students research opportunities, and serve both the University and the broader community. The primary responsibility of this role will be to teach in this emerging program. Ideal candidates should have teaching experience and a publication record in a field relevant to the program. While research focus is open, we prefer candidates with experience and interest in Bioethics, Medical Ethics, Philosophy of Science and Technology, and/or Neuroethics. The department values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is particularly interested in candidates who can effectively teach in a diverse university environment and demonstrate a commitment to supporting the success of students from varied backgrounds.
Duties and Job Requirements:
- Teach undergraduate course in the new MA program as well as undergraduate Philosophy courses in-person;
- Teach 12 credit hours per semester;
- Supervise, mentor, and advise undergraduate students;
- Develop and sustain an independent research agenda;
- Contribute to the growth of the program;
- Participate in service activities for the department, university, and community; and
- Participate in on-campus department, division, college, and university meetings and assemblies, as well as university convocations and graduation.
About the Department
The Department of Philosophy has five full-time faculty members. It offers a wide variety of courses in Philosophy and in the Core Curriculum. The Department seeks to offer students ways to approach and understand the examined life and the role of reason in human affairs. The study of philosophy includes training in logic and the techniques of evaluating varying points of view, and training in ethics regarding conceptions of the good life and the importance of achieving justice in society.
It also includes consideration of the ideas of the true, the good, and the beautiful as keys to self-knowledge and the concern for others. Instruction in these areas of thought aims at making connections with the other fields of knowledge and the education of the whole person. It focuses on supplying students with the means to confront the issues of today and to provide a basis for an active, reflective life that will aid them in assuming leadership roles in their chosen careers. The Department is proud of the quality of instruction, accomplishments of their students and to be launching our new Masters in the Ethics of Technology, Health, and Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Philosophy or a related field (conferred by the time of appointment);
- Strong commitment to teaching a full load of 24 credit hours per academic year;
- Write and Speak English proficiently;
- Experience with teaching, as well as a strong publication record in an area relevant to the Ethics of Science, Health, & Technology;
- Commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population; and
- Commitment to the mission of Xavier University of Louisiana.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced training beyond the Ph.D., e.g. Post-doc, etc.
- Successful experience teaching a wide range of undergraduate courses in Philosophy, Ethics, or related field;
- Experience in mentoring and advising HBCU students;
- Experience growing a new program;
- Awareness of pedagogical best practices and ongoing commitment to developing and maintaining knowledge in this area;
- Experience developing and offering experiential learning opportunities (e.g. undergraduate research, service learning, participatory action research); and
- Develop and participate in an active research agenda and contribute to service activities for the department, university, and community.
Special Requirements Summary
Work Hours
Full-Time
KSA's
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F196P
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
08/01/2027
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Date
09/10/2026
Application Review Date
09/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
How to Apply-Required Documentation:
Qualified candidates are invited to apply using Xavier's online application site by logging in to https://jobs.xula.edu. Please submit the following materials:
(1) a cover letter emphasizing qualifications for this position;
(2) a comprehensive CV;
(3) a statement of teaching philosophy;
(4) a statement of research philosophy; and
(5) at least three references who can provide letters of recommendation.
Please contact the search committee chair, Dr. James Dunson, jdunson@xula.edu, for additional information or questions.
Xavier University of Louisiana is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Department of Philosophy is especially interested in exceptionally well-qualified applicants who will contribute, through their research, teaching, and service to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Screening of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All applications received before October 15, 2026, are assured consideration.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.xula.edu/postings/3961
About Xavier
About Xavier
About Xavier University of Louisiana
Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier University of Louisiana is the only Catholic Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Located in New Orleans, the ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. Xavier University of Louisiana's current enrollment is 3,419. Of these, 2,693 are undergraduates and 205 are graduate students enrolled in Masters and Doctoral programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, there are 518 students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy, which offers the Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies, the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Doctor of Pharmacy. Xavier's student body is 80% African American, with approximately 37% from Louisiana, primarily from the New Orleans area. The balance comes from 42 other states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and several countries.