Endowed Visiting Assistant Professor of Christian Thought
About The Position
The Religion and Philosophy Division of Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Christian Thought. This position is a full-time, one-year appointment beginning August 1, 2026, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding. A successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a 4/4 load of undergraduate courses, with a focus on REL 100 (The Way of Jesus) and REL 300 (Christianity and Culture), taught in the spirit of 1 Peter 3:15. The ideal candidate will have completed a Ph.D. in philosophy or theology by August 1, 2026. Candidates will also be expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Division and to engage in service to the Division, College, and University as appropriate for a Visiting position. Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Seaver College, the undergraduate liberal arts college of Pepperdine University, enrolls approximately 3,500 students at its residential campus in Malibu, California. The Religion and Philosophy Division of Seaver College offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, as well as three Master’s programs in Religion. Located near Los Angeles in Southern California, Pepperdine University is viewed as one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States, with access to all of the benefits of a vibrant metropolis. Pepperdine is an explicitly Christian university, embracing the love of God and neighbor. Fostering a strong sense of belonging, we seek candidates who love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:37–40).
Requirements
- Completed a Ph.D. in philosophy or theology by August 1, 2026.
- Evidence of effective teaching in a variety of courses related to Christian thought.
- Evidence of an active research agenda.
- Evidence of a commitment to the Christian mission of the University and the mission of Seaver College.
- Show respect for workplace differences.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.
Nice To Haves
- Candidates should thoughtfully reflect on the Christian mission of Pepperdine University and of Seaver College and address the following areas in their response: A consistent pattern of support for Christian values and the mission of Pepperdine University. Active participation in a Christian community of faith. A vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom, ideally with reference to current practices.
Responsibilities
- Teaching a 4/4 load of undergraduate courses, with a focus on REL 100 (The Way of Jesus) and REL 300 (Christianity and Culture).
- Contribute to the intellectual life of the Division.
- Engage in service to the Division, College, and University as appropriate for a Visiting position.
Benefits
- Robust and highly competitive benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
