Description

Otterbein University invites applications for the position of a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor of Philosophy & Religion. We invite applications from philosophers, scholars of religion, and interdisciplinary teacher-scholars with interests in philosophical ethics, and Buddhism, Hinduism, or other religious traditions of Asia. We seek candidates who will contribute to the department's efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment for all.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities: Teaching load is 3 - 4 which includes teaching courses in Applied and Theoretical Ethics, Religions of India, Buddhism, and other general education courses on topics in Asian philosophical and religious traditions. Candidates should be committed to increasing the diversity of our curriculum and student body. We seek candidates with evidence of success teaching undergraduates, a commitment to recruiting and retaining majors and minors in our department, a commitment to student-centered undergraduate teaching, and the ability to excite students about the study of philosophy and religion. Faculty members are also expected to be involved in professional and community activities for the purposes of scholarship, professional development, student advising and mentorship, and service. New faculty are eligible for a reduced instructional workload during their first year to establish a research program, along with opportunities for ongoing professional development funding and support from our Center for Teaching and Learning.

When

This appointment will begin August 2027.

Qualifications

Qualifications: Ph.D. in a relevant field of study by the start of appointment. Applicants should have an interest in decolonizing approaches to the study of religion and philosophy and a commitment to social justice-oriented approaches in the classroom. We seek applicants who will complement the existing strengths of our department in analytic philosophy and the Abrahamic religious traditions and who can teach courses in ethics as well as in Asian religious traditions. We are particularly interested in a teacher-scholar who takes a cultural approach to the study of the religions and philosophical traditions of Asia with teaching expertise that emphasizes such areas as the critical study of race, gender, sexuality, and social location.

Application

Application: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, three references - including contact information, and a teaching portfolio (including a teaching statement, areas of teaching interest, syllabi and teaching evaluations). As to syllabi, please include syllabi for a course in philosophical ethics as well as a course focusing on an Asian religious tradition, suitable for introductory students. Additionally, a diversity statement is also required, consisting of no more than one single-spaced page, addressing the following two questions: How has a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion informed your teaching, scholarship, and/or professional experience to date? How do you see yourself contributing to Otterbein's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Priority will be given to applications received by November 20, 2026.

Additional Information

Department: The Department is composed of three full-time faculty. One of the full-time faculty is trained in analytic philosophy, the second in religious studies, focusing on Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The successful applicant for this position will fill the third full-time faculty slot. The Department services one major in Philosophy and Religion and two minors (one in Religion, and one in Philosophy). The bulk of our teaching is to general education students (through the Integrative Studies Program) but we also are connected to the Legal Studies Minor, the Environmental and Sustainability Studies Major, the Honors Program, and the minor in Race and Ethnic Studies.

Otterbein University: Historically progressive. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio's largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County. Otterbein has been selected as one of 23 universities across the US and the first in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity.

Otterbein University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more than a decade, Otterbein has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic quality. In the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Otterbein ranked #12 among 160 Regional Universities in the Midwest. To learn more about Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu.

Where: Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, and has received notable national designations, including two appearances on Money Magazine's Top 100 list of Americas' "Best Places to Live" and recognized as one of Forbes "America's Friendliest Towns." Westerville has a population of approximately 38,000 people and combines the beauty and convenience of a medium-sized community with the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of Columbus, the state capital; a thriving and diverse metropolitan area of 2.2 million people. Central Ohio is the fastest growing area in the state with stability provided by a diversified economy.

Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.