St. Lawrence University, often abbreviated as SLU, stands as a distinguished private liberal arts college nestled in the scenic village of Canton, New York, in the United States. Founded in 1856 by the Universalist Church, it has evolved into a vibrant institution emphasizing undergraduate education with a student-faculty ratio of about 10:1, fostering close mentorship and hands-on learning. With around 2,300 undergraduates and a small number of graduate students, SLU is known for its rigorous academic programs across 40 majors, including standout departments in biology, economics, English, environmental studies, and physics. The university's location in the North Country region, near the Adirondack Mountains and St. Lawrence River, shapes its unique culture, promoting outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and canoeing as integral to campus life.
Jobs at St. Lawrence University attract professionals passionate about liberal arts education, where teaching undergraduates is central. Faculty members engage in research but prioritize classroom innovation and student advising. The institution's commitment to experiential learning, such as the groundbreaking Odyssey Program that funds student projects worldwide, influences hiring for roles that blend academics with real-world application. Canton, a small town with a population under 7,000, offers a peaceful setting that appeals to those seeking work-life integration away from urban hustle, yet it's just a few hours from major cities like Montreal and Syracuse.
Jobs at St. Lawrence University span faculty, administrative, and support categories. Faculty positions include tenure-track assistant professors, associate professors, full professors, visiting lecturers, and adjunct instructors. Administrative roles cover areas like admissions, financial aid, career services, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) officers. Support staff opportunities exist in facilities, IT, library services, and athletics, given SLU's Division III NCAA teams, particularly its storied hockey program.
Tenure-track roles are competitive, often in humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields. For instance, recent openings have sought experts in neuroscience or global studies. Staff positions might involve residence life coordinators, helping manage the residential campus where over 95% of students live on-site. To learn more about university job types, including lecturer jobs and professor jobs, visit our dedicated resource.
To fully understand jobs at St. Lawrence University, familiarizing yourself with key terminology is essential. Here's a breakdown of common terms:
For faculty jobs at St. Lawrence University, a PhD in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track positions, such as Assistant Professor of Biology or Associate Professor of History. Lecturer roles may require only a master's degree plus teaching experience. Administrative positions like Dean of Students often seek advanced degrees like an EdD or master's in higher education administration. Research assistant jobs typically need a bachelor's or master's with lab skills.
SLU values credentials from accredited institutions, with emphasis on interdisciplinary expertise. For example, a position in environmental studies might require a PhD in ecology alongside policy knowledge, aligning with the university's sustainability initiatives.
Research at St. Lawrence University centers on undergraduate collaboration, with faculty publishing in journals like Nature or American Economic Review. Key areas include climate change (leveraging the Adirondack setting), neuroscience, and international relations. Expertise in grant writing for NSF (National Science Foundation) or NEH (National Endowment for Humanities) funding is prized. Positions often seek candidates whose work intersects disciplines, such as data science in social sciences, reflecting SLU's innovative curriculum.
Candidates should demonstrate potential for funded projects, as SLU supports faculty research through internal grants up to $10,000 annually.
Preferred experience for jobs at St. Lawrence University includes 3+ years of college teaching, peer-reviewed publications (at least 2-3 for assistant professors), and grant success. Skills encompass inclusive pedagogy, curriculum development, and advising—vital in a college where students thrive on mentorship.
Check how to write a winning academic CV for tailored advice.
The application process starts on SLU's careers page or platforms like Interfolio. Submit a cover letter addressing fit with liberal arts mission, CV, teaching philosophy (1-2 pages), research statement, and 3 references. Interviews involve campus visits with teaching demos.
Actionable tips:
Use our free resume template and free cover letter template to stand out. For broader strategies, see employer branding secrets.
St. Lawrence University prioritizes diversity through its Inclusive Excellence plan, including the Faculty Diversity Fellowship and annual DEI training. The Mosaic Center supports affinity groups for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) faculty and staff. Recent hires reflect commitment to underrepresented voices, with 25% women in STEM leadership. Initiatives like the Pay it Forward program fund underrepresented student research, extending to staff mentorship.
Work-life balance at St. Lawrence University benefits from its intimate scale and location. Faculty enjoy a 3/3 course load (three classes per semester), sabbaticals, and pre-tenure reduced loads. Campus life buzzes with events like ODY (Odyssey Day) celebrations, theater productions, and varsity sports. Canton offers low cost of living, with housing perks like faculty homes near campus. Wellness includes gym access, counseling, and outdoor perks—hiking the nearby Grasse River or skiing at nearby resorts. Family-friendly policies support dual-career couples via spousal hiring networks.
Employees rave about community: weekly faculty lunches, summer picnics, and proximity to nature fostering recharge. Remote options exist for some admin roles amid remote higher ed jobs trends.
Competitive benefits include TIAA retirement matching, comprehensive health plans, tuition remission (up to 100% for dependents at SLU), and professional travel funds. Salaries align with liberal arts peers: $80,000 median for assistant professors. SLU's AAUP (American Association of University Professors) chapter ensures fair practices.
In a university lecturer career, SLU offers fulfillment beyond pay, shaping future leaders in a supportive environment.
Jobs at St. Lawrence University blend academic rigor, research opportunity, and community in beautiful Canton, NY. From faculty to admin, roles demand passion for undergraduate success. Explore openings via higher ed jobs, refine skills with higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post your listing at recruitment and post a job.
