Open Rank, Intellectual Foundations, University of Austin

The University of Austin (UATX) invites applications for multiple faculty positions in Intellectual Foundations (IF), with additional responsibilities and teaching in the Polaris Program, to begin on or after 1 July 2025. Rank: open. Teaching load: six class hours per week during term-time, or the equivalent of 2/2 in the American semester system. Salary: highly competitive, e.g., $90,000 for an Assistant Professor.

UATX strives to build and sustain a community based on the lively clash of ideas and opinions in an atmosphere of open inquiry and civil discourse. Treasuring both the wisdom of the past and the transformative potential of novel ideas, we seek to preserve and transmit humanity’s rich intellectual, scientific, artistic, and cultural inheritance while vigorously pursuing the discovery, creation, and communication of new knowledge. These endeavors depend on fostering an environment of intellectual freedom and pluralism.

IF is an interdisciplinary core curriculum required of all students. Seminars examine subjects such as the foundations of civilization and political life; the importance of law, virtue, order, beauty, and the sacred; the unique vibrancy of the American form of government and way of life; and the character and consequences of ideological tyranny. Faculty in IF will also teach in other academic centers and programs, with the additional opportunity to offer seminars of their own design.

As our founding faculty in the arts and humanities, IF seeks scholars and/or creative practitioners with a range of interests who can teach across more than one historical period, geographical region, and scholarly or creative discipline. In addition to ethics, political philosophy, literature, and creative writing, evidence of a developed capacity for teaching, research, and/or creative practice in any of the following disciplines may be of interest: history, philosophy, theology, literary theory, theater, film, painting, sculpture, and art history. Specialists in non-Western as well as Western cultural traditions are encouraged to apply.

The Polaris Program challenges all UATX students to design and undertake a significant project to serve the human good, gain hands-on experience, and develop essential skills for personal and professional flourishing. Polaris Program faculty teach courses on innovation, creativity, and the origin of ideas; agency, leadership, and founding; and public speaking, strategic planning, and partnerships.

Like all faculty at UATX, faculty in IF will be expected to maintain the highest standards of pedagogical excellence, to be available in person and in office on the days they teach, to attend weekly common lectures and other academic events outside the classroom, to advise students academically, and to supervise them as they work on their individual Polaris projects.

To apply, please provide: (1) a curriculum vitae; and (2) a cover letter that addresses your interest in, and qualifications for, a faculty position in Intellectual Foundations, as well as your commitment to UATX’s principles. These materials may be submitted through this application.

Inquiries may be directed to the Dean of Intellectual Foundations, Jacob Howland (jhowland@uaustin.org). Candidates being considered for interviews will be invited to submit writing samples and a list of references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Applications received by February 12 will receive full consideration.

EEO / AA STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

UATX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.