Philosophy and Law Assistant Professor

Position Overview

The Department of Philosophy at California State University, Fresno invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2026 (August 2026). The new colleague will teach undergraduate courses in our Pre‑Law curriculum, advise students (with their major and as they prepare for law school), supervise student research, conduct and publish research, develop curriculum, and facilitate community outreach.

• Teach undergraduate courses in philosophy, law, epistemology, critical thinking, and logic.
• Advise and mentor students in their major (Philosophy, Pre‑Law, or Religious Studies) and in their law school preparation.
• Conduct and publish scholarly research in philosophy and law.
• Serve on department, college, and university committees.
• Engage in community service and actively participate in Philosophy Department activities and programming.
• Develop curriculum and contribute to the Pre‑Law program and related interdisciplinary initiatives.

Required

Education:

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Philosophy or a closely related discipline from an accredited or equivalent institution.
• Applicants nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered; however, for appointment the doctorate must be completed by August 1, 2026.

Required Experience:

• Commitment to and preparedness for teaching in philosophy of law, critical thinking, logic, and epistemology.
• Commitment to and preparedness for advising and mentoring pre‑law students.
• A record of distinguished scholarship in philosophy and law commensurate with years of experience.

• Excellence in teaching philosophy, broadly construed.
• Excellence in teaching students with various learning needs, especially in a diverse student body.
• Excellence in service, especially with respect to advising students.
• Potential for excellence in scholarship as demonstrated in a rich research agenda in philosophy and law or related interests.
• Interest in developing special curricular programs for advanced pre‑law students, such as a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program or similar.

Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2026. The committee may choose to review applications submitted after this date. All positions automatically close on March 31, 2026.

Note:

All positions at Fresno State are subject to funding availability.

Apply online at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Letter of interest or cover letter addressing required experience and preferred qualifications and your interest in teaching Fresno State students.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information of three professional references.
• A statement about your approach to teaching and advising in the position fields and examples of your own experience, skills, and evolution in teaching practices – not to exceed two pages.
• A representative example of your scholarship.
• One sample syllabus, ideally for a course in Philosophy and Law (applicants invited for phone or video interviews may be asked to provide additional syllabi in epistemology, logic, or critical thinking).

Additional information may be requested.

Candidates invited for an on‑campus visit must submit by mail/e‑mail within the designated deadline. The Search Chair will send information and requests for these items:

• Three current letters of recommendation (dated within 12 months of full consideration).
• Official transcripts.

Search Chair:
Dr. James Rocha – jamesrsnostate.edu

Fresno State’s Pre‑Law Option is within the Philosophy B.A. and is housed in the Department of Philosophy and the College of Arts and Humanities. While many of the Option’s students attend law school after graduation, numerous students also pursue law‑related jobs after obtaining their B.A. without seeking a JD. Faculty also serve students within the California Law Pathways and the Central Valley Scholars Law Pathway.

The Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Fresno State offers a B.A. degree with options in Philosophy, Pre‑Law, and Religious Studies.…