Calvin University invites applications for two full-time, regular faculty positions in economics in the Department of Politics and Economics, beginning in August 2027, pending administrative approval. Both appointments will be made at the rank of Assistant Professor.
The department seeks economists whose areas of specialization complement one another and strengthen the breadth of the department’s teaching and research.
REQUIREMENTS
The university seeks applicants with vibrant Christian faith who are dedicated to integration of that faith with their field of study.
Qualified candidates will hold a Ph.D. in economics or a closely related field from an accredited university. The department welcomes applications from candidates in all fields of economics. Given that two positions are being filled, particular consideration will be given to how candidates’ areas of specialization complement the expertise of other candidates and the existing strengths and needs of the department.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate excellence in undergraduate teaching and maintain an active program of relevant research and publication. Preference will be given to candidates with experience using a variety of teaching methods and instructional technologies.
The university will prioritize candidates who demonstrate broad interdisciplinary interests; a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; an ability to integrate questions of meaning, significance, and ethics throughout the curriculum; and a deep commitment to engaging students beyond the classroom.
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES
Faculty members typically teach 24 semester hours per academic year, with teaching assignments typically involving two course preparations per semester and courses varying in credit hours and length. Faculty are expected to teach effectively, maintain an active scholarly agenda, and serve the university, department, students, and wider community.
Candidates will be asked to affirm their commitment to the educational mission of Calvin University as a Christian liberal arts university in the Reformed tradition. (See Educating for Shalom and Faculty Expectations) Calvin University provides numerous faculty development opportunities, both before and after tenure, to foster continued growth in these commitments.
FACULTY RESOURCES
Calvin University hosts a number of Centers and Institutes and provides other funding opportunities to support faculty teaching and research. These resources include sabbaticals, grants, course releases, summer research stipends, travel funds, and student research opportunities.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS AND ECONOMICS
The Department of Politics and Economics offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Economics, as well as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Political Science and International Relations. The department also contributes to the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE).
The mission of the department is to equip students and members of the broader community to build and participate in institutions that contribute to justice, equity, and universal flourishing. Our curricula provide students with a balanced and comprehensive understanding of politics, policy, and political and economic inquiry. Students develop disciplinary knowledge and skills in professional writing and communication while learning to serve civic purposes as members of local, national, and global communities.
ABOUT CALVIN UNIVERSITY
Calvin University is a top-ranked national university that equips students to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Approximately 3,600 Calvin students study the liberal arts and select from a broad range of majors and professional programs, including a growing portfolio of graduate level offerings. The university is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a thriving metropolitan region of approximately one million people situated equidistant from Chicago and Detroit. Furthermore, the West Michigan region is ranked by Forbes as the #1 place to raise a family. For more information, please visit http://www.calvin.edu/go/facultyopenings.
Calvin is building a tradition of diversity and accessibility and welcomes applications from persons whose personal characteristics will further that commitment. Calvin does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, or age. Calvin University is an educational agency of the Christian Reformed Church and, in compliance with Title VII and other applicable law, reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religion.
Please note that, while we welcome applications from all qualified applicants, employment opportunities for foreign nationals may be subject to additional eligibility, timing, sponsorship, and funding considerations under current U.S. immigration and visa requirements.
TO APPLY
Applicants must complete the online application process and attach the following:
- Letter of application that addresses the requirements and responsibilities of the position
- Full curriculum vitae, including contact information for three professional references
- Teaching evaluations (if available)
- Statement of teaching philosophy, including specific teaching interests
- Statement explaining how you would seek to engage with and contribute to Calvin University’s mission (250 words)
- Statement explaining how you would support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Calvin University (250 words)
- A job market paper
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Please contact department chair, joel.westra@calvin.edu, with questions.
FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT
1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.
DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.