Juniata College, located in the scenic town of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, is a private liberal arts college renowned for its innovative approach to education. Founded in 1876, it serves around 1,200 undergraduates with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, fostering close mentorship. Jobs at Juniata College span faculty positions, staff roles, and administrative opportunities, all centered on a commitment to personalized learning through its unique Programs of Emphasis (POE). This system allows students to craft individualized academic paths rather than traditional majors, making faculty roles particularly dynamic.
The college's beautiful campus in the Allegheny Mountains, often ranked among Pennsylvania's most picturesque, contributes to a supportive work environment. Positions here attract professionals passionate about liberal arts, interdisciplinary studies, and undergraduate research. Whether seeking tenure-track professor jobs or support staff careers, Juniata emphasizes community, innovation, and student success.
Established by members of the Church of the Brethren, Juniata College has evolved from a small seminary into a top-tier liberal arts institution. Its name honors the Juniata River, reflecting its deep ties to central Pennsylvania. Over 140 years, the college has built a reputation for academic excellence, with alumni succeeding in diverse fields like medicine, business, and public service.
Employment at Juniata has always prioritized faculty who embody its motto, "Victas Vita Veritas" (Truth is Conquered by Life). Traditions like Founders Day and Mountain Day—where classes are canceled for outdoor activities at Raystown Lake—highlight a balanced approach to work and life, influencing hiring for roles that value holistic development.
Juniata's curriculum spans liberal arts with POEs in areas like biochemistry, environmental science, peace and conflict studies, and entrepreneurship. Departments actively hire for faculty positions in sciences, humanities, and social sciences. For example, the biology department seeks experts in ecology, aligning with the college's sustainability focus.
Staff positions support these programs in admissions, library services, and IT, ensuring seamless operations.
Careers at Juniata College include tenure-track faculty, visiting professors, adjunct instructors, administrative staff, research associates, and student affairs roles. Faculty positions involve teaching, advising POEs, and research. Learn more about types of university jobs available across higher education.
Staff opportunities range from development officers to facilities managers, often requiring bachelor's degrees and experience in higher ed. Explore higher ed admin jobs or faculty positions for similar roles.
Program of Emphasis (POE): Juniata's customized major system where students, with faculty guidance, design interdisciplinary programs tailored to their interests, replacing rigid majors.
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, involving teaching, research, and service.
Liberal arts college: An undergraduate institution emphasizing broad education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences for well-rounded development.
For faculty positions at Juniata College, a PhD in the relevant field is typically required, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in chemistry for science roles. Research focus should align with undergraduate involvement, like field studies in environmental science or lab work in neuroscience.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from NSF or private foundations, and teaching at small colleges. Skills and competencies valued:
Staff roles may require a bachelor's or master's, with competencies in project management or student services. See how to write a winning academic CV for preparation.
The application process begins on Juniata's careers page, where postings detail requirements. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research agenda, and three references. Interviews often include campus visits with teaching demos.
Actionable tips:
Deadlines vary; tenure-track searches start in fall. Follow up professionally.
Juniata College prioritizes diversity through its Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence, recruiting underrepresented minorities in STEM via programs like the Pennsylvania Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. They offer affinity groups for LGBTQ+ faculty, women in science, and cultural celebrations. Bias training and inclusive hiring practices ensure equitable opportunities. Recent efforts include endowed chairs for diversity scholars.
In Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Juniata provides an idyllic setting with rolling hills and Raystown Lake nearby for recreation. Employees enjoy flexible schedules, tuition benefits for dependents, and wellness programs. Campus life features traditions like Mountain Day hikes and Founders Day events, fostering community. Small size means collaborative atmosphere; low cost of living aids balance. Professional development includes sabbaticals and conference funding. Proximity to state parks supports outdoor pursuits, enhancing quality of life.
Juniata's high student satisfaction and ROI make it ideal for impactful careers. With strong rankings in undergraduate teaching, it's perfect for passionate educators. Current sentiment on X highlights its beautiful campus and traditions, signaling positive employee experiences.
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