Boston College (BC), a prestigious private Jesuit research university located in Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood within Newton, Massachusetts, offers a wide array of career opportunities in higher education. Founded in 1863, BC has grown into a leading institution with over 14,000 students and a commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community service. Jobs at Boston College span faculty positions, research roles, administrative jobs, and support staff openings, making it an attractive destination for academics, researchers, and professionals seeking meaningful work in a vibrant academic environment.
The university's main campus spans 338 acres of rolling hills, providing a picturesque setting just minutes from downtown Boston. This prime location in the United States, specifically in the Greater Boston area, facilitates collaborations with nearby institutions like Harvard and MIT, enhancing research and teaching opportunities. Whether you are a PhD holder aiming for a tenure-track role or an experienced administrator, jobs at Boston College emphasize intellectual rigor and Jesuit values like men and women for others.
Boston College began as a small college for Irish immigrants and evolved into a comprehensive university with nine schools: Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Carroll School of Management, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Connell School of Nursing, Woods College of Advancing Studies, School of Social Work, School of Theology and Ministry, Law School, and Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. This diverse structure creates numerous job categories, from professors in philosophy and theology to business faculty and nursing educators.
Over the years, BC has maintained its R1 research classification by the Carnegie Foundation, indicating very high research activity. In 2023, it received over $100 million in research funding, supporting hundreds of jobs in labs and centers. The university's career site lists openings year-round, with peaks in fall for faculty searches.
Jobs at Boston College include tenure-track faculty, adjunct professors, lecturers, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, administrators, and staff positions. Tenure-track roles involve teaching, research, and service, leading to permanent positions after review. Adjunct professors teach part-time courses, ideal for those balancing multiple commitments. For more on types of university jobs, explore our dedicated resource.
Recent openings have included assistant professor of economics and research associate in education policy.
To help understand jobs at Boston College, here are key terms:
For faculty jobs at Boston College, a PhD or terminal degree in the relevant field is required, such as PhD in chemistry for science roles or JD for law positions. Research focus should align with departmental priorities; for example, the Theology Department seeks expertise in biblical studies, while the Carroll School emphasizes sustainable business.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (3-5 for assistant professors), grant funding from NSF or NIH, and teaching at the college level. Skills and competencies encompass strong communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, data analysis for research roles, and commitment to diversity. Quantitative skills are valued in social sciences, with tools like R or Stata often mentioned.
The application process for jobs at Boston College starts with the online careers portal at bc.edu/careers. Submit a CV, cover letter, research statement, teaching statement, and three letters of recommendation. Searches follow AEA or MLA guidelines for academic jobs.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Applications due by November for fall hires; decisions by spring.
Boston College prioritizes diversity through the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Inclusion. Initiatives include the Diversity Fellows Program for faculty, bias training, and recruitment from HBCUs. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from underrepresented groups. The university supports affinity groups for LGBTQ+ faculty and women in STEM, fostering an inclusive environment aligned with Catholic social teaching.
Work-life balance at Boston College is supported by comprehensive benefits: health insurance, retirement matching up to 10%, tuition remission for dependents, and sabbaticals every 7 years for faculty. The campus features modern labs, a state-of-the-art library, athletic facilities, and proximity to Boston's cultural scene. Employees enjoy wellness programs, childcare, and flexible hours for some roles. Newton/Chestnut Hill offers safe suburbs with easy T access to the city, ideal for families. Community events like faculty lectures and service trips enhance engagement.
Amid enrollment challenges in higher education, BC maintains steady growth with strong rankings (#36 in US News 2024). Opportunities abound in growing areas like data science and sustainability. Check employer branding secrets for insights. For lecturer paths, see how to become a lecturer.
Jobs at Boston College offer rewarding careers in a top-tier Jesuit university. Explore more at higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post openings via post a job.
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