Occidental College, affectionately known as Oxy, is a private liberal arts college nestled in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887 by the Presbyterian Church, it has evolved into an independent institution emphasizing rigorous academics, social justice, and experiential learning. With around 2,000 undergraduate students, Oxy fosters close-knit communities where professors and students collaborate on groundbreaking research and community projects. The campus spans 120 acres of scenic hills, offering stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and easy access to LA's vibrant cultural scene.
Jobs at Occidental College attract educators and professionals passionate about undergraduate teaching in a diverse, urban setting. The college prioritizes hires who align with its core values of equity, sustainability, and global engagement. Located in the United States' entertainment capital, Oxy positions itself as a hub for innovative higher education, blending liberal arts traditions with real-world applications. Faculty and staff contribute to signature programs like the Neuroscience minor, the Urban & Environmental Policy department, and the Diplomatic Studies certificate program.
Understanding jobs at Occidental College means recognizing the institution's commitment to small class sizes—averaging 18 students—and a student-faculty ratio of 9:1. This environment demands dynamic professionals who thrive in mentoring roles. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or university jobs to see how Oxy fits into broader academic careers.
Occidental College offers diverse employment opportunities tailored to its liberal arts mission. Common positions include tenure-track assistant professors, associate professors, full professors, adjunct lecturers, visiting scholars, research associates, and administrative roles in admissions, development, and student affairs. Staff jobs span facilities management, IT support, and career services.
For academic roles, departments like Biology, Economics, English, History, Kinesiology, Mathematics, Psychology, and Sociology frequently recruit. For instance, recent openings have sought experts in cognitive science and environmental studies. Non-tenure-track positions like lecturers provide flexibility for those building portfolios. When considering position types, visit /university-job-types for detailed breakdowns of roles across institutions like Oxy.
Administrative jobs at Oxy often involve supporting the college's 50+ majors and interdisciplinary programs. Executive positions, such as deans or directors, require leadership in fostering inclusive environments. Check administration jobs or higher ed executive jobs for similar opportunities.
Securing jobs at Occidental College typically demands advanced degrees aligned with the role. For tenure-track faculty positions, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant discipline is mandatory. Fields like the sciences may require postdoctoral experience, while humanities roles emphasize dissertation completion.
ABD (All But Dissertation) candidates may qualify for visiting or lecturer positions, but full-time roles prioritize completed doctorates. Administrative positions in academic advising or research administration often seek master's degrees, such as an MEd (Master of Education) or MPA (Master of Public Administration). Teaching credentials are essential for education department roles.
Oxy values qualifications that support its liberal arts focus, including interdisciplinary expertise. Salaries are competitive, with assistant professors earning around $85,000-$100,000 annually, per recent data.
Occidental College encourages research that integrates with teaching and community impact. Priority areas include neuroscience, where faculty explore brain plasticity; diplomacy and world affairs, focusing on global policy; and sustainability studies amid LA's environmental challenges. Kinesiology roles emphasize human performance and health equity.
Candidates should demonstrate expertise through peer-reviewed publications and grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation (NSF). Collaborative projects with LA partners, such as the Getty Museum or local NGOs, are prized. For research assistant jobs, see research assistant jobs.
Preferred experience for jobs at Occidental College includes 2-5 years of college-level teaching, publications (3+ peer-reviewed articles), and grant management. Mentoring diverse undergraduates is crucial, given Oxy's 50% students of color.
Key skills encompass innovative pedagogy, data analysis for social sciences, lab management for STEM, and cultural competency. Competencies like grant writing, public speaking, and digital tool proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS) stand out. Soft skills such as adaptability in a dynamic urban campus are vital.
The application process for jobs at Oxy begins with online submissions via the college's HR portal or platforms like Interfolio. Required materials include a cover letter addressing the liberal arts fit, CV, teaching philosophy statement (1-2 pages), research agenda, and three references. Diversity statements are often mandatory.
Tips: Customize your teaching statement with Oxy-specific examples, like integrating LA fieldwork. Network at conferences like the American Historical Association. Submit early—deadlines are strict, often December for fall hires. Proofread rigorously; use free resume templates and cover letter templates. Prepare for campus visits with teaching demos and research talks. Track applications and follow up politely.
For adjunct professor jobs, see adjunct professor jobs.
Occidental College champions diversity through its Oyate Ta Kici Pe (Leading with Spirit) plan (2021-2026), aiming for 50% underrepresented faculty by 2030. Initiatives include the DEI Faculty Fellows program, bias training, and recruitment pipelines with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). The Multicultural Affairs office supports staff affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) employees.
Recent hires reflect this: 40% of new faculty identify as people of color. Gender equity efforts ensure balanced representation. Explore employer branding secrets relevant to inclusive hiring.
Work-life balance at Occidental College benefits from a supportive culture. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 6 years, flexible scheduling, and parental leave policies exceeding state minimums. The wellness center offers yoga, counseling, and EAP (Employee Assistance Programs). LA's beaches, hikes in Griffith Park, and cultural venues like the Hollywood Bowl are minutes away.
Campus life buzzes with events: Tiger Pride athletics, cultural festivals, and the President’s Speaker Series. Staff perks include tuition remission for dependents and gym access. Despite urban bustle, the hillside campus provides serene green spaces. For lecturer roles, review become a university lecturer.
To fully grasp opportunities, here are essential terms:
Jobs at Occidental College launch trajectories toward leadership in higher ed. Many alumni faculty advance to department chairs or deans. Leverage Oxy's networks for professor salaries insights or higher ed career advice. Ready to apply? Browse higher ed jobs, university jobs, or post your profile via recruitment and post a job on AcademicJobs.com.
