Description

The Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability at Washington and Lee University (W&L) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Ethics to begin in July 2027. We seek applicants from a variety of fields, including philosophy, religious studies, political science, law, and other relevant disciplines. Special consideration will be given to candidates whose scholarship and teaching focus on moral and social problems related to poverty or social inequality, broadly construed, including their legal and policy-related aspects; specific area of research specialization is open.

This position carries a 5-course teaching load distributed across Fall and Winter terms (12 weeks each) and W&L's distinctive Spring term (4 weeks). Teaching responsibilities include our interdisciplinary introduction to poverty and human capability studies—which combines ethical reasoning, empirical research, and practical policy considerations—as well as intermediate and advanced undergraduate ethics courses related to the faculty member’s area of interest and contributing to the Shepherd mission and the Law, Justice, and Society program.

A signature program at W&L and a founding member of the national Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP), Shepherd prepares students—whatever their backgrounds, majors, career paths, or political perspectives—to understand and address the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in ways that respect the dignity of every person. Consequently, we seek a scholar-teacher who values interdisciplinary learning and who can mentor students of different backgrounds and beliefs through responsible, respectful inquiry into contested ethical and political questions.

To achieve our university’s mission as a liberal arts college, we strive to foster a welcoming campus community that recognizes the value of all persons. Our program is committed to preparing our students for engaged citizenship by creating a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue. We welcome applications from candidates who would contribute to the university’s mission and strategic plan.

The expected salary for this position is between $88,000 - $96,000. Offers are based on factors such as relevant education, experience, tenure status, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.

Washington and Lee University offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families, as well as substantial support for faculty development through research funding, a strong culture of mentorship, and a pre-tenure leave program. To learn more about working at W&L, employee benefits, and life in the Shenandoah Valley, visit jobs.wlu.edu.

Requirements

A PhD in a relevant field (philosophy, religious studies, political science, etc.) or a JD by the time of appointment is required.

Application Instructions:

Application review will begin on October 7, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should submit a: 

• Letter of application that (a) describes their teaching interests, experience, and philosophy, especially in relation to teaching ethics; (b) summarizes their current and future scholarship; and (c) explains their approach to contributing to their academic communities;
• CV;
• List of three references.

All materials should be uploaded through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/192084

For more information, please contact Prof. Howard Pickett (picketthy@wlu.edu). Semi-finalists will be asked to supply three confidential letters of recommendation and a writing sample before their interview.