Lafayette College, located in Easton, Pennsylvania, is a prestigious private liberal arts college founded in 1826. Situated at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, it serves approximately 2,700 undergraduate students and is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in engineering, sciences, and the humanities. As a member of the Patriot League, Lafayette emphasizes both intellectual and athletic excellence, fostering a close-knit community where faculty and students collaborate closely. The college's commitment to undergraduate education means jobs at Lafayette College often involve teaching small classes and mentoring students in research, making it an ideal destination for academics passionate about liberal arts.
Jobs at Lafayette College span faculty, administrative, and support staff positions. With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, faculty roles are central, but the institution also hires for roles in admissions, financial aid, facilities management, and IT support. Easton, PA, offers a charming, historic setting with easy access to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, enhancing the appeal for professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Established in 1826 by James Madison Porter and named after the Marquis de Lafayette, the college has a rich history tied to American higher education. Initially focused on preparing leaders for church and state, it evolved into a secular liberal arts institution. Key milestones include the founding of its engineering program in 1866, one of the oldest in the U.S., and coeducation in 1970. Today, Lafayette boasts alumni like former President William McKinley and Pulitzer Prize winners, underscoring its legacy of excellence.
This history influences jobs at Lafayette College, where positions often align with traditions of innovation in engineering and liberal arts integration. The college's evolution reflects a dedication to accessibility and diversity, attracting faculty who value tradition alongside modern pedagogical approaches.
Lafayette College offers 50+ majors across four divisions: humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering. Standout programs include chemical engineering, computer science, government and law, and economics & business, housed in facilities like the new Acopian Engineering Center. Interdisciplinary centers such as the Center for the Arts and the Landis Center for Experiential Learning provide unique opportunities for faculty collaboration.
Jobs at Lafayette College in these departments require expertise in undergraduate teaching and research. For instance, engineering faculty might lead labs on sustainable energy, while humanities professors develop courses linking literature to social justice.
Career opportunities at Lafayette College include tenure-track professor jobs, visiting lecturer positions, administrative roles in student affairs, and support staff in library services. Faculty openings often emphasize teaching excellence, with loads of three courses per semester plus advising. Administrative jobs might involve directing diversity programs or managing endowment funds. For a full breakdown of university job types, see our dedicated resource.
Current listings highlight needs in biology, mechanical engineering, and psychology. Check higher ed faculty jobs for similar roles nationwide.
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, typically requiring research and teaching success. Liberal arts college: An institution emphasizing broad undergraduate education over specialized graduate training.
For faculty jobs at Lafayette College, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track roles. Master's degrees suffice for lecturers or adjuncts. Engineering positions may prefer ABET-accredited degrees.
Research aligns with Lafayette's strengths: environmental engineering, neuroscience, international affairs. Faculty are expected to involve undergrads, publishing in journals like Journal of Chemical Education.
3-5 years post-PhD teaching, 5+ publications, grant experience (e.g., NSF CAREER awards). Admin roles value higher ed experience, like 5 years in enrollment management.
Learn more via how to write a winning academic CV.
The process begins on Lafayette's HR portal: submit CV, cover letter, statements on teaching/research/diversity, transcripts, references. Initial review by search committee, then interviews (Zoom, campus), job talks.
Avoid common pitfalls like generic letters. Use free resume template for formatting.
Lafayette prioritizes inclusivity through the Office of Inclusion, mandatory bias training, and the ADVANCE grant for women in STEM. Examples: Black/Latinx Faculty Network, PRIDE affinity group, and hiring goals for underrepresented minorities (30% of faculty hires since 2015). The college partners with scholarships for diverse students, benefiting faculty mentoring diverse talent.
Lafayette supports balance with 4 weeks PTO, parental leave, EAP counseling, gym access, and tuition remission. Easton offers low cost of living ($50k median home), cultural events like the Easton Garlic Fest, and trails for hiking. Campus features modern dorms, arts venues, Division I sports. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 7 years, research leaves. Proximity to Lehigh Valley Airport aids travel. Employees rave about community events and work flexibility in reviews.
Read employer branding secrets for insights on such cultures.
Jobs at Lafayette College offer a blend of teaching passion, research impact, and community in scenic Easton, PA. Whether seeking higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or admin positions, Lafayette provides growth opportunities. Explore higher ed career advice, check university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Visit higher ed postdoc jobs or professor jobs for openings. Lafayette awaits talented professionals committed to excellence.
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