About Lehigh University
Lehigh University, founded in 1865 by industrialist Asa Packer, is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally established to provide a practical education in engineering and sciences during the Industrial Revolution, Lehigh has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Business, and the College of Education. With a mission to advance knowledge through research and innovation while preparing students for global leadership, Lehigh boasts key achievements such as pioneering interdisciplinary programs in bioengineering, materials science, and entrepreneurship. The university's campuses include the historic Asa Packer Campus, Mountaintop Campus for creative inquiry, and the Goodman Campus for athletics. Lehigh is home to approximately 7,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement. Notable alumni include Lee Iacocca and numerous Fortune 500 leaders. For more details, visit the Lehigh University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Pennsylvania, and Academic Jobs in Bethlehem.
Lehigh University's history is marked by resilience and growth, surviving economic challenges and expanding its academic scope. Today, it ranks among the top 50 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, with strengths in engineering (top 40) and business programs. The university invests heavily in research, with annual expenditures exceeding $50 million, focusing on areas like sustainable energy, health sciences, and data analytics. Key departments include Mechanical Engineering, Finance, and Psychology, attracting top talent globally. For academics interested in higher education jobs at Lehigh University, the institution offers a collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities like the Health, Science, and Technology Building. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, fostering personalized mentorship. Lehigh's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in initiatives like the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Whether you're pursuing academic careers at Lehigh University or seeking professor positions, this university provides a dynamic setting for professional growth.
In terms of location, Bethlehem's rich industrial heritage complements Lehigh's engineering focus, with proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and New York enhancing networking opportunities. The university's global reach includes study abroad programs in over 50 countries. For those exploring lecturer roles at Lehigh University or research jobs, Lehigh's partnerships with industry leaders like IBM and Boeing provide real-world applications. Overall, Lehigh University stands as a beacon for innovation, blending tradition with forward-thinking education.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Lehigh University
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Lehigh University are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like engineering, business, and sciences, reflecting 2025 academic trends toward sustainability and technology integration. As a research-intensive institution, Lehigh frequently hires for roles such as Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Research Fellow in Materials Science, and Lecturer in Business Analytics. According to recent data from sources like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and university reports, job trends show a 15% increase in openings for STEM-related professor positions at Lehigh University, driven by initiatives in clean energy and AI. Salary ranges for these roles are competitive: Assistant Professors earn approximately $85,000-$115,000 annually, while Associate Professors range from $110,000-$150,000, and Full Professors can expect $140,000-$220,000, influenced by department, experience, and grant funding. For instance, faculty in the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering often see higher salaries due to industry collaborations. Explore these higher education jobs at Lehigh University through AcademicJobs.com, where you can filter for specific departments. Links to related pages include Academic Jobs in Pennsylvania and Academic Jobs in Bethlehem.
In the College of Arts and Sciences, opportunities for lecturer roles at Lehigh University focus on interdisciplinary fields like environmental studies, with salaries starting at $70,000 for entry-level positions. Research jobs at Lehigh University are booming in centers like the Institute for Functional Materials and Devices, where postdocs earn $55,000-$75,000. Job seekers should note that tenure-track positions emphasize publication records and teaching excellence, with Lehigh's 2025 trends indicating growth in health sciences amid post-pandemic recovery. Compared to national averages, Lehigh's faculty salaries are 10-15% higher in engineering disciplines. For those interested in academic opportunities, check out rate professors at Lehigh University via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. Additional resources include Faculty Jobs and Research Jobs.
To apply, candidates typically need a PhD and strong research portfolio. Lehigh's hiring process includes diversity-focused recruitment, aligning with its strategic plan for inclusive excellence. For salaries in Lehigh University academia, factors like cost-of-living in Pennsylvania play a role, with Bethlehem offering affordable housing. Explore more via Higher Ed Jobs and Lecturer Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Engineering
Salary: $85k-$115k. Focus on sustainable tech.
Lecturer in Business
Salary: $70k-$100k. Emphasize analytics.
Research Fellow in Sciences
Salary: $55k-$75k. Grant-funded roles.
Associate Professor in Arts
Salary: $110k-$150k. Interdisciplinary focus.
Why Work at Lehigh University
Academic careers at Lehigh University are highly appealing due to its robust research ecosystem, competitive benefits, and location in vibrant Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Faculty enjoy access to cutting-edge facilities, generous sabbatical policies, and a supportive community that fosters work-life balance. Unique benefits include tuition remission for dependents and professional development funds up to $5,000 annually. Lehigh's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, such as through the Data X initiative, enhances career prospects in emerging fields like AI and biotechnology. Compared to peers, Lehigh offers stronger industry partnerships, leading to higher grant success rates. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
The university's commitment to innovation is evident in its $100 million+ investment in new buildings, creating opportunities for groundbreaking research. Faculty report high satisfaction, with 85% retention rates, per internal surveys. For those in professor positions at Lehigh University, the chance to mentor diverse students adds fulfillment.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Lehigh University
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Lehigh University reflects its status as a top-tier research institution, with 2025 data from AAUP and university disclosures showing competitive compensation. Assistant Professors average $90,000-$120,000, influenced by department—engineering roles often hit the upper end due to market demand. Associate Professors earn $115,000-$160,000, with bonuses for research grants, while Full Professors range from $145,000-$230,000, factoring in tenure and leadership roles. Location in Pennsylvania adds cost-of-living adjustments, with Bethlehem's lower expenses boosting effective pay. Experience levels matter: entry-level with 0-5 years start lower, but 10+ years can exceed $200,000 in high-demand fields like computer science. Compared to national averages ($87,000 for assistants per AAUP), Lehigh is 10-20% higher. Benefits like health insurance and retirement matching add 30% value. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries.
Department-specific trends show Business faculty averaging $130,000, while Arts and Sciences are around $100,000. Factors affecting pay include publication impact, teaching load, and external funding—Lehigh's $60 million research budget supports this. In 2025, trends indicate salary growth in STEM due to inflation and talent shortages. For academics eyeing faculty jobs at Lehigh University, negotiating based on these ranges is key. Additional perks include housing stipends for new hires.
To contextualize, salaries in Lehigh University academia surpass many public institutions but align with privates like Tufts. Use tools on AcademicJobs.com for personalized insights.
| Role | Average Salary | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $105,000 | $90k-$120k |
| Associate Professor | $135,000 | $115k-$160k |
| Full Professor | $185,000 | $145k-$230k |
| Lecturer | $85,000 | $70k-$100k |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Lehigh University
⭐ Discover top educators at Lehigh University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings help identify excellence in teaching and research. This platform aids in choosing courses and recognizing professors who excel in programs like engineering and business. Ratings highlight factors like clarity, helpfulness, and difficulty, empowering students and job seekers.
Dr. Dan Frangopol - Civil Engineering
Rating: 4.8/5. Known for structural reliability expertise.
Prof. Rick Kish - Finance
Rating: 4.7/5. Engaging lectures on investments.
Dr. Susan Woodhouse - Psychology
Rating: 4.9/5. Focus on child development.
Prof. John Ochs - Entrepreneurship
Rating: 4.6/5. Innovative business strategies.
Dr. Mayuresh Kothare - Chemical Engineering
Rating: 4.8/5. Control systems specialist.
Prof. Vera Tang - Biology
Rating: 4.7/5. Microbiology research leader.
Career Progression at Lehigh University
Career progression at Lehigh University follows a structured path, starting from postdoctoral or adjunct roles to tenure-track positions, with salaries scaling accordingly. Entry-level assistants advance to associates after 5-7 years, earning promotions through research output and teaching. Tenure-track emphasizes grants, with Lehigh's strengths in engineering offering fast tracks. Salaries by rank: Assistants $90k+, Associates $115k+, Full $145k+. Professional development includes workshops and funding. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
University-specific factors include mentorship programs and interdisciplinary centers accelerating growth.
Research and Innovation at Lehigh University
🔬 Research at Lehigh University thrives in areas like advanced materials, biotechnology, and sustainable systems, with 2025 trends focusing on AI integration and climate solutions. Major centers include the ATLSS Engineering Research Center and the Energy Research Center, securing over $50 million in funding annually from NSF and DOE. Collaborations with industry giants enhance opportunities. Explore via Research Jobs.
Innovations include breakthroughs in nanotechnology and health tech.
Resources for Lehigh University Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via the Center for Career & Professional Development.
- 💼 Faculty unions through AAUP chapter for advocacy.
- 📍 Benefits include health plans and retirement matching.
- Research grants and sabbatical support.
Student Life and Perspectives at Lehigh University
Student life at Lehigh University is dynamic, with over 200 clubs and strong Greek life. Programs in engineering lead to high career outcomes, with 95% employment rates. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include advising centers and internships.
Perspectives highlight inclusive community and research involvement.