Henry G. Fairbanks Visiting Scholar in Philosophy

Employer:
Saint Michael's College
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Location: Chittenden County,
About the Job

The Department of Philosophy at Saint Michael’s College is seeking applicants with a Ph.D. in Philosophy to join us as the Henry G. Fairbanks Visiting Scholar-in-Residence beginning August 2023. The ideal candidate is a teacher-scholar with a commitment to humanistic education. The successful candidate will have research expertise in the history of philosophy and is prepared to develop an engaging and inclusive introductory-level course that addresses fundamental ethical questions. The Department has pronounced upper-level teaching needs in Modern Philosophy (Early or Late). We also welcome candidates prepared to teach Latin American Philosophy, Asian Philosophy, African/Africana Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, and/or Philosophy of Art. 

Ours is a pluralistic department. In keeping with the College’s mission as a Catholic liberal arts institution, our research and teaching combine a commitment to the history of philosophy, an emphasis on fundamental ethical questions, and an engagement with contemporary concerns and applications. We support the core curriculum, interdisciplinary programs, inclusive pedagogies, community-engaged learning, and public philosophy. 

This is a two-year appointment that involves teaching three courses each semester. Courses include introductory and upper-level philosophy courses, as well as one course per year in the Humanities Program, which offers a series of interdisciplinary period-specific courses that cover primary texts from (but not are limited to) Western philosophical, literary, artistic, and historical traditions. Courses enroll 15-25 students. 

On-campus housing is provided, with faculty development and mentorship appropriate to this 2-year post-doctoral teaching position. Conference travel support and internal grants are available. Candidates should be ready to contribute to our vibrant residential campus community. The College is committed to supporting diversity and inclusivity among students, faculty, and staff; therefore, all members of the community are expected to contribute to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning and working environment. Applicants with past experiences and contributions to creating such an environment will be given strong consideration. 

Area of Specialization (AOS): History of Philosophy (especially Modern)
Area of Competence (AOC): Ethics 

Contact: Crystal L’Hote, Search Committee Chair – clhote@smcvt.edu

Benefits include health, dental, vision, employer-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary life, critical illness and accident insurance options, parental leave, flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care), 401(k), employee and dependent tuition benefits, employee assistance program, well-being programs and opportunities, discounted gym membership, use of the athletic facilities and the library, and countless opportunities to attend presentations, lectures, and other campus activities.

Requirements: 

Applicants must have the following:  

  • A Ph.D. in Philosophy by August 2023 
  • Previous teaching experience is preferred 

An offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. 

Application Instructions:

Please be prepared to attach the following documents after clicking on Apply Now button:   

  • Curriculum Vitae   
  • A cover letter that includes a statement about your teaching philosophy and approaches that would contribute toward helping Saint Michael’s College become a more culturally responsive and inclusive community   
  • Two letters of recommendation (if available) or contact information for two academic references   
  • Recent teaching evaluations (if available)

For full consideration, please submit all materials by February 15, 2023.

Employer's Approach to Diversity, Equity, & Belonging

Saint Michael's College delivers a world-class education in a beautiful Vermont setting. Our close community allows students to form strong and enduring relationships with one another and with accomplished faculty and staff, providing an ideal learning environment where they have the space and support to challenge themselves and their peers. A fully residential college located minutes from Burlington, Saint Michael's offers an unparalleled mix of academic, spiritual, cultural, service, and wilderness experiences.

Saint Michael's is among the elite ranks of only 286 colleges and universities nationwide allowed to host a Phi Beta Kappa national honor society chapter on campus and is ranked 3rd in Best Colleges in Vermont by Niche, a popular college ranking website. In 2022, Saint Michael’s was once again named by The Princeton Review as one of the Best 388 Colleges, one of the Best Green Colleges, and one of the Best Northeastern Colleges. Situated next to Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, nearby Burlington, Vermont, consistently ranks as one of the best places in America to live. This includes America's 10 Great Places to Live (Kiplinger's), Top 10 Cities for Outdoor Recreation (Outside Magazine), Top 10 Small Cities for State of Well-Being (Gallup-Healthways), Top 10 Tech Hubs in the U.S. (Forbes), Top 5 Healthiest Places for Women in America (Self Magazine), Top 10 Greenest Cities in America, and Top Public Square in America (USA Today). It was also recently named a “climate haven” and ranked in the 10 Best Places in America to Live for Climate Resilience.

At the heart of our Edmundite Catholic mission is a belief that experiencing new perspectives, cultures, traditions, and ideas helps us become fuller, more compassionate people. As a Catholic higher education institution with a social justice mission, we are called to be even more intentionally inclusive, celebrating the complexity and individuality that each person brings to our community. Each of us at Saint Michael's carries an obligation to ensure all students, faculty, and staff encounter a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Building a culture of inclusion is an ongoing and evolving journey. We are continually striving to ensure our processes, policies, and behaviors support and encourage diversity, meeting the needs of all individuals, especially those from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups. Saint Michael's College's vision of inclusion and diversity embraces not only racial and ethnic identities but also gender, age, religion, language, ability/disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, military service, geographic origin, and first-generation/multi-generation college experiences.

Saint Michael's College is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity, in compliance with applicable provisions of state and federal law that prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sexual orientation, veteran or military service status, HIV-positive test result status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic, as such characteristics and prohibitions are defined by applicable law. The College will not rely inappropriately on such characteristics, or upon related stereotypes or biases, in making employment-related decisions. Also, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship or otherwise would not be required by applicable law, the College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, as well as any employee who is limited in their ability to perform the functions of their job because of pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth.

To learn more, visit smcvt.edu

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