Biola University, located in La Mirada, California, stands as a premier evangelical Christian institution offering a wide array of jobs in higher education. Nestled in the sunny suburbs of Los Angeles County, this university attracts professionals passionate about integrating faith and academics. Jobs at Biola University span faculty positions, administrative roles, research opportunities, and support staff, all centered around its mission to educate students grounded in biblical truth. With approximately 6,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs, the demand for dedicated educators and administrators remains steady.
The university's commitment to Christ-centered education shapes every job opening. Prospective employees must align with Biola's doctrinal statement, which affirms core evangelical beliefs such as the inerrancy of Scripture and the deity of Christ. This faith foundation distinguishes Biola jobs from secular higher ed jobs, fostering a unique community where spiritual growth complements professional development.
Established in 1908 as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (BIOLA), Biola University has evolved into a comprehensive university while maintaining its fundamentalist roots. Founders like Lyman Stewart and William Blackstone envisioned a place for biblical training amid growing modernism. In 1915, it became the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, and by 1981, it adopted its current name after accreditation expansions.
Over the decades, Biola's employment history reflects its growth. Early jobs focused on Bible teachers; today, they include professors in 150+ programs across 10 schools, such as the renowned Talbot School of Theology and the School of Business & Management. Key milestones include the 1950s move to La Mirada, enabling campus expansion and more diverse job roles. Today, jobs at Biola University emphasize interdisciplinary work, like faith-integrated science research, appealing to those seeking meaningful careers in Christian higher education.
Biola offers diverse positions tailored to academic professionals. Faculty jobs dominate, including tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjunct professor jobs in fields like theology, nursing, cinema & media arts, and kinesiology. Administrative jobs cover areas like student affairs and HR jobs in higher ed. Research-focused roles, such as research assistant jobs or postdoc positions, thrive in labs exploring bioethics or psychology from a Christian worldview.
Staff opportunities include roles in facilities, IT, and advancement. For a deeper dive into university job types, including executive and admin positions, visit our resource page. Salaries are competitive for private institutions, with full professors earning around $100,000 annually, per industry benchmarks.
To ensure clarity for those new to academic careers, here are key terms related to jobs at Biola University:
Jobs at Biola University demand rigorous qualifications reflective of its academic excellence. For faculty roles, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard—essential for tenure-track professor jobs or lecturer jobs. In professional programs like business or nursing, a doctorate or master's plus licensure suffices.
Research focus varies by school: Talbot emphasizes biblical studies and apologetics; the School of Science, Technology, and Health prioritizes creation science and health ethics. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ articles), teaching portfolios, and grants from faith-based funders like the Templeton Foundation.
Key skills and competencies:
Candidates with experience in employer branding in higher education or becoming a university lecturer gain an edge.
Applying for jobs at Biola University involves a multi-step process emphasizing fit with its mission. Start by searching openings on Biola's careers site. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, personal testimony of faith, and three references (including pastoral).
Actionable tips:
The process takes 3-6 months, with searches often in fall for fall hires.
Biola actively pursues diversity within its Christian ethos. The Center for Diversity, Integration, and Belonging hosts workshops and scholarships for underrepresented faculty. The Multiethnic Leadership Program trains diverse leaders, with 25% ethnic minority faculty hires in recent years. Initiatives include the Black Faculty/Staff Association and Hispanic Scholars Program, fostering inclusive dialogue on race and faith. These efforts ensure jobs at Biola reflect a global church body.
Biola prioritizes holistic well-being for employees. Work-life balance features flexible hours, sabbaticals, and tuition discounts (up to 100% for dependents). Campus life buzzes with weekly chapels, athletic events, and family picnics amid palm trees and modern facilities. La Mirada's safe, family-friendly vibe—near Disneyland and beaches—enhances quality of life. Wellness centers offer counseling and fitness classes, while community groups build lasting bonds. Employees rave about the supportive culture, rating it highly in surveys.
In summary, jobs at Biola University blend academic rigor with spiritual purpose in beautiful Southern California. Whether seeking higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or research positions, opportunities abound. Explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile to connect with openings. For employers, consider recruitment services or post a job today.
