Haverford College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Haverford, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of rewarding career opportunities for academics, researchers, and administrators. Nestled in a suburban setting just outside Philadelphia in the United States, this Quaker-founded college emphasizes intellectual rigor, community governance, and social responsibility. Jobs at Haverford College span faculty positions, research roles, staff support, and leadership positions, all aligned with its commitment to undergraduate education and interdisciplinary scholarship.
Founded in 1833, Haverford has built a reputation for academic excellence, with small class sizes, dedicated mentoring, and a unique Honor Code that shapes campus culture. This code, one of the oldest in the nation, promotes self-governance and trust among students, faculty, and staff, influencing daily operations and hiring practices. Prospective employees are drawn to its collaborative environment and access to resources through the Tri-College Consortium, which includes Bryn Mawr College and Swarthmore College.
Career seekers interested in higher ed jobs will find Haverford's positions competitive yet fulfilling, particularly for those passionate about liberal arts teaching and research.
To understand jobs at Haverford College, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at Haverford College, a PhD or terminal degree in the relevant field is standard. For example, positions in the natural sciences like biology or physics require a doctorate with dissertation defense. Humanities roles, such as in English or history, similarly demand PhDs from accredited institutions.
Administrative jobs may require a master's or bachelor's plus experience. Research assistant roles often need a bachelor's or master's, with advanced degrees preferred for specialized labs. In 2023, Haverford advertised tenure-track positions in computer science requiring PhD completion by appointment start.
Haverford prioritizes research that engages undergraduates, aligning with its liberal arts model. Key areas include life sciences (biology, neuroscience), physical sciences (chemistry, astronomy), social sciences (economics, political science), and humanities (philosophy, anthropology). Expertise in interdisciplinary work, such as environmental studies or data science, is valued due to consortium collaborations.
Faculty research often involves student co-authors, with grants from NSF or NEH supporting projects. For instance, recent hires in math focused on algebraic geometry with pedagogical applications.
Candidates with publications in top journals, teaching experience at small colleges, and grant history stand out. Prior involvement in undergraduate research mentoring is crucial. For admin roles, 3-5 years in higher ed, like admissions or DEI offices, is preferred.
Haverford values Quaker traditions, so experience in consensus-building or community service enhances applications. Recent postings sought candidates with 2+ years post-PhD teaching.
Core skills include excellent teaching (small seminars), research productivity, and service commitment. Competencies like inclusive pedagogy, writing grant proposals, and committee work are key. Technical skills for labs (e.g., Python for CS) or data analysis vary.
Soft skills: empathy, collaboration, ethical leadership per Honor Code. Fluency in diverse viewpoints supports Haverford's global focus.
The process starts with online submission via Haverford's portal or Interfolio. Required: cover letter addressing fit, CV, statements on teaching/research/diversity, references.
Timeline: Fall postings, interviews winter, offers spring. Track via university jobs listings.
Haverford champions diversity through the Office of Institutional Equity, Bi-Co Collaborative for Greater Equity, and affinity programs like LatiNegras. They host inclusive hiring workshops, support affinity housing, and track demographics (35% students of color). Recent initiatives include faculty clusters in Black studies and climate justice, with training on implicit bias.
Work-life balance benefits from sabbaticals every 7 years, parental leave (12 weeks), and flexible schedules. Campus life features a 216-acre arboretum, varsity sports, arts center, and shuttle to Philly for dining/culture. No Greek life fosters tight-knit community events like Collection (all-campus meetings).
Employees enjoy health benefits, retirement matching, and wellness (yoga, counseling). Proximity to Haverford train station aids commuting.
Established 1833 by Quakers, Haverford moved to its Pennsylvania campus in 1854. First co-ed classes in 1969, now ~1,400 students. Its history shapes jobs: emphasis on integrity, small-scale excellence. Alumni include Nobel laureates, CEOs; faculty publish prolifically while teaching 100 freshmen seminars yearly.
Explore university job types: tenure-track (e.g., assistant prof math), lecturers, postdocs in neuroscience, admin like dean of admission, staff in IT or facilities. Current openings often in STEM/humanities.
In summary, jobs at Haverford College offer intellectual fulfillment in a supportive Pennsylvania community. For more higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or to post a job, visit AcademicJobs.com. Check employer branding tips for insights.
