Faculty Employment Opportunities

Pepperdine University's Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, situated in Malibu, California, invites applications for tenure-track and fixed-term faculty positions that may be available for the 2025-2026 academic year. Seaver College partners with Interfolio to collect all faculty job applications electronically. Please click on the position title to see detailed information and apply via the links located at the end of each description.

Potential Candidates

Pepperdine University was established in 1937 by Mr. George Pepperdine, a Christian businessman, who stressed the desirability of a complete education built on a Christian value system. The institution is committed to the ideals of the founder. Pepperdine's Seaver College is a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college with approximately 3,550 students. Successful candidates must demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission of the University and the mission of Seaver College. Located near Los Angeles in Southern California, Pepperdine University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute through their teaching, research, and service to the diversity and excellence of the University and our surrounding community.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists. It is the intent of the University to create and promote a diverse work force consistent with its stated goals and mission.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

A letter of application
A curriculum vitae
Three current letters of reference. All letters should be specific to the position and completed within one year prior to the date of submission. The name and email address for each individual providing a letter of recommendation is required when submitting an application.
Transcripts of all graduate work (Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application; however, official transcripts may be required for selected applicants.)
Teaching statement. The teaching statement should reflect on the candidate’s values, beliefs, and goals regarding the teaching and learning process and any pedagogical practices used or envisioned to achieve these goals. Two to three pages maximum length is requested.
Scholarly/Creative agenda. The statement should outline applicants’ short- and long-term objectives and goals for their research and/or creative activities. Candidates should reflect on currently published or presented work(s) as a foundation for the statement. Two to three pages maximum length is requested.
Response to Mission. Pepperdine University’s mission statement declares that we are a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Religiously affiliated with the churches of Christ, it is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. In pursuit of its mission, Pepperdine reserves the right to recruit and hire persons who richly embrace the goals and Christian mission of the University.

At Seaver College, the undergraduate college of letters, arts, and science at Pepperdine, our faith calls us to uphold the highest standards of academic and scholarly excellence. To achieve this goal, the college’s mission statement affirms that we are a Christian college where each student is a person of infinite dignity and their total development is centered at the heart of our educational enterprise. Arising from our faith, we commit to pursue truth relentlessly in all disciplines, fully confident that it has nothing to fear from investigation.

Candidates should thoughtfully reflect on the Christian missions of Pepperdine University and Seaver College and address the following areas in their response.
- A consistent pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and the mission of Pepperdine University.
- Active participation in a community of faith.
- Either current practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom.

A background check is required as a condition of employment. Depending on the position, the search committee may request that additional materials accompany the application (e.g., prior teaching evaluations, portfolio of scholarly work, etc.)

All documents submitted must represent the original contributions of the applicant and may not be prepared using an generative artificial intelligence tool, except to provide an accommodation in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and state and local regulations regarding individuals with disabilities.

Faculty Fellows Program

For more information regarding the Faculty Fellows Program and the application process please visit the Seaver College Faculty Fellows Program website.

Business Administration Division

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Communication Division

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

The Communication Division of Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Communication Studies to begin August 2025. Seaver College is a residential liberal arts college of just over 3,550 students situated in Malibu, California. The successful candidate will hold expertise and teach in quantitative research methods and statistics, and in one or more of the following: computer-mediated, political, environmental, or organizational communication. An established research record is also required, and the candidate must possess a Ph.D. in Communication by August 1, 2025, when the position begins.

We seek a colleague who will contribute to the student’s whole person, particularly their awareness of the interconnectedness between self, others, and calling; understanding of communication systems to foster justice; skills for analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting messages; ability to communicate competently across differences and contexts; and their ability to engage in ethical dialogue. Support for the university’s Christian mission, liberal arts programs, and emphasis on innovative teaching are essential. The College seeks candidates who will advance the University's commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Pepperdine’s Seaver College is affiliated with the churches of Christ and the Restoration tradition within Protestant Christianity. All applicants must have an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University and reflect on their willingness to support the mission of Seaver College in their application materials.

The salary for this appointment will range from $87,795 and $93,909 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

Review of applicants will begin October 21, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Please submit all application materials by clicking https://apply.interfolio.com/151881. A background check will be required as a condition of employment.

For additional information, please contact:

Charles Choi (charles.choi@pepperdine.edu)
Chair, Communication Studies Search Committee
Seaver College, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4211

Fine Arts Division

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Humanities and Teacher Education Division

Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing

The Humanities and Teacher Education Division of the Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University invites applications for a full-time Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing to begin August 2025. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate level courses with primary responsibilities in the Creative Writing program and secondary responsibilities in the English program. This is a multi-genre position — a background in fiction writing is required; additional background in poetry writing is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated passion for teaching and inspiring students and hold an MFA or PhD with an emphasis in creative writing and expertise in fiction writing, experience teaching undergraduate creative writing courses, and an active publishing agenda. A secondary interest in poetry writing is preferred. Publishing experience in the field is required. The undergraduate courses in the Creative Writing program that the successful candidate will teach will likely include multi-genre intro courses and intermediate or advanced fiction writing courses (including novel writing) - and English composition. Other course opportunities might arise as needed.

Successful applicants must have an active commitment to the Christian mission of the University and reflect on their willingness to support the mission of Seaver College. We encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences.

The salary for this appointment will range from $69,000 to $72,000 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024 and will remain open until filled. Please submit all application materials by clicking https://apply.interfolio.com/152128. A background check will be required as a condition of employment.

For inquiries about the position, please contact:

Dr. John Struloeff (john.struloeff@pepperdine.edu)
Search Committee Chair
Humanities and Teacher Education Division
Pepperdine University, Seaver College
Malibu, CA 90263

International Studies and Languages

Assistant Professor of French Studies

The International Studies and Languages Division of Pepperdine University's Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences invites applications for a tenure track faculty appointment in French Studies beginning August 1, 2025. The French Studies program at Pepperdine University seeks candidates holding a PhD in French Studies, with a specialization in French and Francophone literature, film, and/or cultural studies. Native or near native fluency in French is expected. The successful candidate will excel at teaching a range of courses in French language and French and Francophone cultures, including: French Civilization, Major French Authors, and other courses related to the candidate’s specialization. Service to the College, Division and Program is an expectation for this position. Candidates will be expected to engage actively in student recruitment, advising, mentorship, and in the program's extracurricular activities. Ability to participate in a Switzerland-based International Program as a faculty-in-residence is also desired. A demonstrated or promising research agenda is essential. Successful candidates must demonstrate an active commitment to Pepperdine's Christian Mission and the mission of Seaver College. Applications from persons who can contribute to the diversity of the University’s faculty and community are especially welcome.

The salary for this appointment will range from $87,795 to $93,909 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine University offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

To submit application materials click https://apply.interfolio.com/152666. Review of applicants will begin on October 15, 2024 and will continue until the search is closed. A background check will be required as a condition of employment.

Please direct position inquiries to:

Dr. George Carlsen (george.carlsen@pepperdine.edu)
Chair, French Studies Search Committee
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

Visting Assistant Professor of Italian Studies

The International Studies and Languages Division of Pepperdine University's Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences invites applications for a full-time visiting faculty appointment in Italian Studies and Language for the 2025/2026 academic year (August 1st through May 2nd). The appointment has the potential for renewal in the 2026-2027 academic year based upon successful performance and program needs. The position requires teaching four in-person courses per semester at our campus in Malibu, California. Courses to be taught will primarily be Italian language (first through third semesters), but may also include advanced content courses. Successful applicants will have near-native or native fluency in both Italian and English. Applicants should be able to demonstrate prior effective teaching of Italian language at all levels and mentorship of students. A Ph.D. is strongly preferred, although applicants with an M.A. will be considered. Successful candidates must demonstrate an active commitment to Pepperdine's Christian Mission and the mission of Seaver College. Applications from persons who can contribute to the diversity of the University’s faculty and community are highly desired.

To submit applicaiton materials visit https://jobs.chronicle.com/job/37784372/visting-assistant-professor-of-italian-studies and click [Apply on Website]. Review of applicants will begin on February 17, 2025 and will continue until the search is closed. A background check will required as a condition of employment.

Please direct position inquiries to:

Dr. George Carlsen (george.carlsen@pepperdine.edu)
Chair, Italian Studies Search Committee
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263.

Natural Science Division

Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology

Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a full-year appointment as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology for the 2025-2026 academic year beginning August 1, 2025. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. in zoology, animal physiology or closely related discipline by August 2025 are desired; however, candidates who have completed a M.S. degree and have prior teaching experience will be considered. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching and interacting with undergraduates.

As teaching is our foremost emphasis at Seaver College, candidates should demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach zoology and animal physiology and other biology courses with associated laboratory curricula. Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University and the mission of Seaver College. The Department and University are broadly committed to belonging, equity, and inclusion. It is part of our institutional mission to teach and engage a diverse community of students. We especially welcome applications from candidates who are committed to advancing these ideals.

Application review will begin on April 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required as a condition of employment. Please submit all application materials by clicking https://apply.interfolio.com/164938.

Any inquiries about this position should be sent to the chair of the search committee:
Dr. Javier Monzon (javier.monzon@pepperdine.edu)
Associate Professor of Biology
Natural Science Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry)

Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry (emphasis in Analytical Chemistry) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applicants will have completed a Ph.D. by August 1, 2025 in analytical chemistry or a closely related discipline and will be able to teach and conduct research in those areas. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching, research, mentoring of undergraduates, as well as their service to the university, their profession, and our surrounding community.

Seaver College places the total development of students at the heart of its educational strategy and seeks scholar-educators who demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching, a commitment to establishing a productive research program, and desire to mentor undergraduate students in both teaching and research. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach analytical chemistry and instrumentation courses as well as introductory chemistry courses for science majors. Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University and the mission of Seaver College. The Department and University are broadly committed to belonging, equity, and inclusion and we especially welcome applications from candidates who are committed to advancing these ideals.

Any inquiries about this position should be sent to:

Dr. Jane Ganske (jane.ganske@pepperdine.edu)
Professor of Chemistry
Natural Science Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

Visting Assistant Professor of Chemistry (General/Organic Chemistry)

Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a full year Visting Assistant Professor of Chemistry (General/Organic Chemistry) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. by August 1, 2025, are desired; however, candidates who have completed a M.S. degree and have prior teaching experience will be considered. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching, research, mentoring of undergraduates, as well as their service to the university, their profession, and our surrounding community.

As teaching is our foremost emphasis at Seaver College, candidates should demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach general or organic chemistry courses with associated laboratory curricula. Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University and the mission of Seaver College. The Department and University are broadly committed to belonging, equity, and inclusion, and we especially welcome applications from candidates who are committed to advancing these ideals.

Application review will begin on April 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required as a condition of employment. Please submit all application materials by clicking https://apply.interfolio.com/163440.

Any inquiries about this position should be sent to:

Dr. Jane Ganske (jane.ganske@pepperdine.edu)
Professor of Chemistry
Natural Science Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

Visiting Assistant Professor of Nutrition

Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a full-year appointment as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Nutrition for the 2025-2026 academic year beginning August 1, 2025. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. in public health, epidemiology, or closely related discipline by August 2025 are desired; however, candidates who have completed a M.S. degree and have prior teaching experience will be considered. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching and interacting with undergraduates.

As teaching is our foremost emphasis at Seaver College, candidates should demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach public health nutrition, statistics and research methods, and foundational nutrition courses with associated laboratory curricula.

Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University and the mission of Seaver College. The Department and University are broadly committed to belonging, equity, and inclusion, and we especially welcome applications from candidates who are committed to advancing these ideals.

Application review will begin on March 21, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required as a condition of employment. Please submit all application materials by clicking https://apply.interfolio.com/164073

Any inquiries about this position should be sent to:

Dr. Loan Pham Kim (loan.kim@pepperdine.edu)
Professor of Nutrition
Natural Science Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for full-year appointment as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics for the 2025-2026 academic year beginning August 1, 2025. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, math education, or other related mathematical disciplines by August 2025 are desired; however, candidates who have completed a M.S. degree and have prior teaching experience will be considered. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching and interacting with undergraduates.

As teaching is our foremost emphasis at Seaver College, candidates should demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach a broad range of introductory and advanced mathematics courses, including courses for business and science majors. Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian values of the University and the mission of Seaver College. The Department and University are broadly committed to belonging, equity, and inclusion. It is part of our institutional mission to teach and engage a diverse community of students. We especially welcome applications from candidates who are committed to advancing these ideals.

Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a statement of teaching philosophy, 4) a statement indicating how the candidate will support the Christian mission of the University, including their current involvement in a community of faith, 5) transcripts of all graduate work (unofficial copies are acceptable during the application process; however, official transcripts will be required for selected applicants), and 6) three confidential letters of recommendation, with a focus on teaching. Please submit all application materials by clicking https://apply.interfolio.com/166303

Application review will begin on May 12, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required as a condition of employment. Any inquiries about this position should be sent to:
Dr. Kevin Iga (Kevin.Iga@pepperdine.edu)
Professor of Mathematics
Natural Science Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

Religion and Philosophy Division

Assistant Professor of Religion - Biblical Studies

The Religion and Philosophy division of Pepperdine University's Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in religion, specifically biblical studies, beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. Candidates should hold a completed Ph.D. by August 1, 2025. Candidates should demonstrate (a) experience teaching general courses on Christian faith and scriptures, (b) an active research agenda, and a commitment to the Christian mission of the University and the mission of Seaver College. The position requires active membership in a Church of Christ. Ministerial experience in congregational contexts is strongly desired. The successful candidate will primarily teach multiple sections of required core courses that introduce students to the Christian faith and scriptures, and may also teach upper-level electives in their area of specialty, depending on curricular needs.

Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Seaver College, the undergraduate liberal arts college of Pepperdine University, enrolls approximately 3,550 students at its residential campus in Malibu, California. The Religion and Philosophy Division of Seaver College offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in religion and philosophy, as well as three graduate degrees: the Master of Science in ministry, the Master of Divinity, and the Master of Arts in Old Testament, New Testament, church history, or theology.

Located near Los Angeles in Southern California, Pepperdine University is committed to excellence and diversity, both on campus and in the broader community. Toward that end, Pepperdine strives to cultivate a community of belonging, and therefore invites applications from a diverse group of applicants who are committed to excellence in their teaching, research, and service.

Application review will begin on November 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Please submit all application materials by clicking https://apply.interfolio.com/153249. A background check will be required as a condition of employment.

Contact:
Dr. Christopher Heard (christopher.heard@pepperdine.edu)
Professor of Religion
Chair of the Search Committee
Seaver College, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-4352

Social Science Division

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