Tenure-Track Assistant/ Associate Professor in Philosophy

About Wenzhou-Kean University

Along with NYU Shanghai and Duke University Kunshan, Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) is one of only three full legal-person Sino-American universities with all English instruction approved by the Ministry of Education in China.

WKU sits on approximately 500 beautiful acres and currently enrolls 5,100 undergraduate and graduate students. It is now in the midst of rapid growth that will bring enrollment to 7,000 students within the next three years. All instruction at WKU is in English, and the curriculum is provided by Kean University and adapted to the needs of the local student population. In addition to its current 18 undergraduate programs, WKU has been approved by the Ministry of Education to offer 8 Master’s and 3 doctorate programs.

Wenzhou is one of the most vibrant and economically developed cities on China's East Coast, located one hour by plane and just over three hours by high-speed train from Shanghai.

About the Job

The Philosophy and Religion program at WKU embraces a cross-cultural approach to the perennial questions and perspectives that have shaped and continue to define the variegated horizons of humanity's pursuit of wisdom and meaning. Our current faculty consists of one full-time lecturer who oversees the Philosophy and Religion minor while also supporting other degree programs, including Psychology, Business Science, and Mathematics majors.

To cultivate a moral and philosophical imagination in WKU students, our regular course offerings include:

• Introduction to Philosophy
• Critical Thinking
• Logic
• Introduction to Ethics
• Environmental Ethics
• Moral Problems in Medicine and Health Care
• Philosophy of Law
• World Religions
• Eastern Religions (India, China, Korea, and Japan)

As we look to expand the program, we would like to build on the following areas:

• Phenomenology and Continental Philosophy
• Asian Philosophies and Religions
• Philosophy of Science
• Indigenous Ontologies

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in teaching undergraduate courses, demonstrate evidence of an independent research program, and show potential to publish and secure external funding at a level similar to tenure-track professors at a U.S. R1 university.

In addition to teaching, faculty are expected to contribute to the growth of the Humanities and Social Sciences department, including but not limited to curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment/advisement, office hours, senior project supervision, and internship opportunities.

A tenure-track Assistant Professor is a full-time, 10-month employee who teaches 24 credits per academic year. A 6-credit course release per academic year is available for grant proposal development and substantial research initiatives during the first three years. Start-up grants will be provided to support student-engaging research programs.

Tenure-track faculty are expected to engage in high-quality teaching, research, advising, student support, and service to the university and professional community. Publications in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journals in Philosophy or closely related subjects are required for tenure-track appointment.

Faculty positions at WKU offer:

• Annual salary from $65,000 to $75,000 for Assistant Professors, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary for extraordinary candidates will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Start-up grants to launch research programs.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Academic travel support up to $2,000.
• Housing options and subsidy up to $3,000.
• Home travel reimbursement up to $6,000 (2 international round-trip airfares).
• Relocation expense reimbursement up to $1,000.
• Shuttle bus to campus for work.
• Up to 8% front-load retirement benefits based on years of service.
• WKU tuition waiver up to 80% for spouse/dependent children in undergraduate programs.
• Tuition discount for private/international K-12 schools for faculty children.
• Opportunity to teach high-quality students. More than 60% of WKU graduates are admitted to graduate programs at top-ranked universities globally.

Background Screening

Wenzhou-Kean University conducts background screenings on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks.

Qualifications

• PhD in Philosophy or a related field is required. ABD will be considered with completion prior to the effective employment date.
• A minimum of two years of teaching experience in a college or university setting is preferred.
• Native English speakers or candidates with equivalent English proficiency are required.

Application Instructions

Applicants are REQUIRED to apply online. To receive full consideration by the search committee, candidates must submit the following documents via Interfolio:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Unofficial transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Official transcripts for all degrees and three current letters of recommendation are required before appointment.