Instructor or Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion Westerville, OH

Instructor or Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion

Job Type: Faculty
Job Number: 00345
Location: Westerville, OH
Division: Academic Affairs

Otterbein University is seeking applicants for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Philosophy & Religion. We invite philosophers, scholars of religion, and interdisciplinary teacher‑scholars with interests in Buddhism, Hinduism, or other religious traditions of Asia. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and contribute to the department’s efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment for all.

• Teaching load 3‑4 courses, including Applied and Theoretical Ethics, Religions of India, Buddhism, and other general‑education courses on Asian philosophical and religious traditions.
• Commit to increasing diversity of the curriculum and student body.
• Evidence of success teaching undergraduates, recruiting and retaining majors and minors, student‑centered undergraduate teaching, and the ability to excite students about philosophy and religion.
• Eligible for a reduced instructional workload during the first year, with opportunities for professional development funding and support from the Center for Teaching and Learning.

• Ph.D. in a relevant field of study by the start of appointment.
• Interest in decolonizing approaches to the study of religion and philosophy and a commitment to social justice‑oriented approaches in the classroom.
• Complement existing strengths of the department in analytic philosophy and Abrahamic religious traditions, and ability to teach courses in ethics and Asian religious traditions.
• Experience or interest in interfaith efforts, both within and outside the classroom.
• Expertise emphasizing critical study of race, gender, sexuality, and social location.

This appointment begins August 2025.

The Department has three full‑time faculty: analytic philosophy, religious studies focusing on Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, and the new fillable position. It services one major in Philosophy and Religion, two minors (Religion and Philosophy), and connects to the Legal Studies Minor, Sustainability Studies Major, Honors Program, and Minor in Race and Ethnic Studies. We are in the early stages of creating a program in pluralism and interfaith studies.

Historically progressive, Otterbein provides an innovative and inclusive educational experience. The campus is located in Westerville, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. The university is one of 23 selected across the U.S. and the first in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. We work with local school districts to promote racial healing, erase structural barriers to equity, and strive for a diverse faculty that reflects our student population.

Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Westerville is known for its quality of life and has been recognized by Money Magazine and Forbes.

• Cover letter, curriculum vitae, three references (contact information), and a teaching portfolio, including a teaching statement, areas of teaching interest, syllabi, and teaching evaluations.
• Syllabi for a course in philosophical ethics and a course focusing on an Asian religious tradition suitable for introductory students.
• Diversity statement (no more than one single‑spaced page) addressing:
  1) How a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion has informed your teaching, scholarship, and/or professional experience to date;
  2) How you see yourself contributing to Otterbein’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Priority will be given to applications received by November 25, 2024.

Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.

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