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Pepperdine | Seaver College

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 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. 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

Please check back for employment opportunities in the Faculty Fellows Program.

 

Business Administration Division

Please check back for employment opportunities in the Business Administration Division.

 

Communication Division

Please check back for employment opportunities in the Communication Division.

 

Fine Arts Division

  Assistant Professor of Art History

The Art History program in the Fine Arts Division of Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Art History to begin August 1, 2024. Applicants should have a PhD in art history or another closely related discipline. Teaching experience beyond the level of a teaching assistant is preferred. We seek outstanding scholar-teachers with expertise in the visual art of Asia, Indigenous Americas, or Africa to join a vibrant artistic community at Seaver College that includes the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching and research, including research alongside undergraduate students.

The successful candidate will have the skills needed to teach a broad range of introductory and advanced art history courses at the undergraduate level, including our World Art I and/or II survey courses. The position will provide service to the Art History Program, Fine Arts Division, and Seaver College, as appropriate.

Pepperdine University is a private Christian university overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Faculty, staff and students partner to support Pepperdine’s Christian mission, as well as to engage Pepperdine's spiritual community. Successful candidates must have a commitment to Pepperdine University's Christian mission and the mission of Seaver College

The salary for this appointment will range from $84,000 to $91,619 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.

Please submit all application materials at: apply.interfolio.com/128656. Review of candidates' files will begin October 15, 2023 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A background check is required as a condition of employment.

Contact:
Dr. Cynthia Colburn (cynthia.colburn@pepperdine.edu)
Blanche E. Seaver Chair of Fine Arts
Professor and Coordinator, Art History Program
Pepperdine University, Seaver College
Fine Arts Division
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265

 

Humanities and Teacher Education Division

Please check back for employment opportunities in the Humanities and Teacher Education Division.

 

International Studies and Languages

Please check back for employment opportunities in the International Studies and Languages Division.

 

Natural Science Division

  Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology (Zoology & Physiology)

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 Biology for the 2024-2025 academic year beginning August 1, 2024. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. in zoology, animal physiology or closely related discipline by August 2024 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 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.

The salary for this appointment will range from $66,560 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.

Application review will begin March 29, 2024 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 [Apply Now].

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

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 Computer Science

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 Computer Science for the 2024-2025 academic year beginning August 1, 2024. Applicants who have completed a PhD in computer science or a closely related discipline by August 2024 are desired; however, candidates who have completed an MS 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 introductory programming and other computer science courses.

Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission 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.

The salary for this appointment will range from $66,560 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.

Application review will begin March 29, 2024 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 [Apply Now]

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Dr. Fabien Scalzo (fabien.scalzo@pepperdine.edu)
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Natural Science Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

  Visiting Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology for the 2024-2025 academic year beginning August 1, 2024. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. in cellular biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry or closely related discipline by August 2024 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 cellular biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry and other biology courses with associated laboratory curricula.

Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission 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.

The salary for this appointment will range from $64,584 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.

Application review will begin March 15, 2024 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 [Apply Now].

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Dr. Matt Joyner (matt.joyner@pepperdine.edu)
Professor of Biochemistry
Natural Science Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

  Visiting Professor/Scholar in Computer Science - Area of Machine Learning - Keck Scholar in Residence

Pepperdine University's Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a visiting professor/visiting scholar position for the 2024-2025 academic year beginning August 1, 2024. Applicants should have a Ph.D. (or will receive a PhD by August 1, 2024) in computer science, data science, or other related computing discipline. We seek outstanding candidates with core expertise in machine learning to join a vibrant cross-disciplinary scientific community of faculty at Seaver College. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching and research to both Pepperdine and our surrounding community. The newly created data science program invites applications for a one-year, non-renewable position in data science and machine learning starting in August 2024. Applicants must display a strong publication record, as well as excellent teaching skills to prepare the next generation of data scientists.

For this position, candidates should have the background and ability to teach a broad range of introductory computer science and machine learning courses, and candidates will teach one to two classes each semester. Candidates should also have an active and promising scholarly program that includes undergraduates and engages in research, which may include interdisciplinary, collaborative research that bridges the boundaries to fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, and sports medicine. Pepperdine has a strong and well-supported program in undergraduate research, and preference will be given to candidates who can actively involve undergraduate students in their research.

Pepperdine University is a private Christian university overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. 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.

The salary for this appointment will range from $75,000 to $90,000 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, a generous housing allowance is provided to support visiting scholars in this position, and Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

Review of candidates' files will begin April 1, 2024, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit all application materials by clicking [Apply Now].

Any inquiries about this position should be sent to the chair of the search committee:

Dr. Fabien Scalzo (fabien.scalzo@pepperdine.edu)
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Natural Science Division
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

 

Religion and Philosophy Division

Please check back for employment opportunities in the Religion and Philosophy division.

 

Social Science Division

  Assistant Professor of Psychology

The Social Science Division of the Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in psychology to begin Fall 2024. While we are interested in candidates able to teach undergraduate courses across a wide range of specialties, the ability to teach one or more courses relevant to our Industrial Organizational Psychology minor is preferred. Qualifications include a PhD in psychology (although candidates who are ABD will also be considered), an active scholarly agenda, and a commitment to teaching excellence in a Christian liberal arts environment.

Applicants must have an active commitment to the Christian mission of the University and the mission of Seaver College and provide a thoughtful reflection on their willingness to support the mission in their application materials. We encourage applications from candidates who will enrich the diversity of our faculty and who are committed to supporting an inclusive educational environment. 

The salary for this appointment will range from $84,000 to $91,619 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.

Please submit all application materials at: apply.interfolio.com/129471. Review of applicants will begin September 15 and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required as a condition of employment.

Please address any inquiries regarding the position to:
Dr. Cindy Miller-Perrin (Cindy.Miller-Perrin@pepperdine.edu)
Chair of the Search Committee
Social Science Division
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA 90263

  Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work

The Social Science Division of the Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University invites applications for a fixed-term visiting assistant professor position in Social Work to begin Fall 2024. We seek candidates with experience teaching both introductory and advanced courses in social work and social welfare policy and the ability to develop and maintain close ties with organizations that will provide challenging internships for our students. The ability to teach one or more courses in Psychology or in the College’s Social Action and Justice program is preferred (and should be addressed in application materials) but not required. Qualifications include an MSW or PhD in Social Work or a closely related field, relevant scholarship and/or professional experience, and a demonstrated commitment to excellent teaching, advising, and internship supervision in a Christian liberal arts environment.

Applicants must have an active commitment to the Christian mission of the University and the mission of Seaver College and provide a thoughtful reflection on their willingness to support the mission in their application materials. We encourage applications from candidates who will enrich the diversity of our faculty and who are committed to supporting an inclusive educational environment.

The salary for this appointment will range from $64,584 to $75,000 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.

Please submit all application materials at: apply.interfolio.com/128701. Review of applicants will begin September 15, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. A background check will be required as a condition of employment.

Please address any inquiries regarding the position to:

Dr. Robert E. Williams, Jr. (robert.williams@pepperdine.edu)
Pepperdine University
Social Science Division, Seaver College
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA  90263