Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, stands as a premier private research institution offering diverse employment opportunities in higher education. Nestled in the Lehigh Valley, this university attracts professionals seeking meaningful careers in academia, research, and administration. Jobs at Lehigh University span faculty positions, staff roles, and specialized research jobs, all contributing to its mission of excellence in education and innovation. With its R1 Carnegie classification for very high research activity, the university is a hub for cutting-edge work in engineering, business, and sciences.
The institution's commitment to student success, exemplified by the Lehigh Commitment—a full tuition grant for families earning less than $75,000 starting in fall 2024—extends to its workplace culture, fostering an environment where employees thrive alongside a vibrant community. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or higher ed admin roles, Lehigh provides stability and growth in a picturesque setting on South Mountain.
Founded in 1865 by industrialist Asa Packer, Lehigh University began as a technical school focused on engineering and applied sciences. Over the decades, it evolved into a comprehensive research university with four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Engineering, plus the College of Health. This rich history shapes its job landscape, emphasizing roles that advance interdisciplinary research and teaching.
Today, Lehigh employs over 1,200 faculty and staff, supporting nearly 7,000 students. Notable alumni like NBA player CJ McCollum, who delivered the 2023 commencement address, highlight the university's impact. Employment at Lehigh has grown with initiatives like the 2023 announcement of expanded financial aid, signaling investment in talent attraction. Careers here blend tradition with modernity, from historic libraries praised as among the world's most beautiful to state-of-the-art labs.
Lehigh's academic structure fuels demand for specialized roles. The P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Lehigh Frank A. Mount Pleasant Campus lead in fields like mechanical engineering and computer science, creating needs for tenure-track professors and research assistants. The College of Business offers programs in supply chain management, drawing experts in analytics for lecturer jobs.
In health and education, positions focus on interdisciplinary work, such as population health research. Posts on X reflect the university's pride in its programs, with emphasis on commencement successes and campus beauty, underscoring a supportive environment for academic professionals.
Employment at Lehigh University includes a variety of roles tailored to higher education. Faculty positions range from assistant professors to endowed chairs, often requiring teaching and research. Administrative jobs cover HR, development, and student services. Research jobs, like postdocs and lab managers, support funded projects.
For a deeper dive into university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and research assistant jobs, Lehigh exemplifies comprehensive offerings. Staff roles in facilities and IT ensure the campus runs smoothly, while executive positions shape strategic direction.
To aid understanding of jobs at Lehigh University, here are key terms:
Most faculty jobs at Lehigh University demand a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field. For engineering professor jobs, a doctorate in mechanical or civil engineering is standard. Lecturer jobs may accept a master's degree with significant teaching experience. Administrative roles vary, often requiring a bachelor's plus specialized certifications.
Research assistant jobs typically need a bachelor's or master's, while postdoc positions require a completed PhD. Lehigh prioritizes candidates from top programs, aligning with its selective admissions.
Lehigh excels in research areas like advanced materials, sustainable infrastructure, and data science. Expertise in additive manufacturing or renewable energy is sought for engineering roles. Business research emphasizes finance and entrepreneurship, while health focuses on epidemiology.
Candidates should demonstrate alignment with centers like the Institute for Cyber Physical Infrastructure and Energy. Funded projects require skills in modeling and simulation, making Lehigh a leader in research jobs.
Preferred candidates have peer-reviewed publications, federal grants (e.g., NSF or NIH), and teaching portfolios. For senior roles, 5+ years post-PhD experience and leadership in labs are key. Industry experience benefits business and engineering hires.
Alumni connections, like those with successful graduates, enhance applications. Lehigh values contributions to student success, as seen in its commencement traditions.
Core skills include strong pedagogical abilities, statistical analysis, and collaboration. Technical competencies like MATLAB or Python are crucial for STEM jobs. Soft skills such as mentorship and communication foster Lehigh's community-oriented culture.
The hiring process starts with online submission via Lehigh's careers site, including a cover letter, CV, research statement, and references. Interviews involve seminars and campus visits.
Tips: Customize your academic CV to Lehigh's priorities; network at conferences; highlight interdisciplinary fit. Prepare for questions on teaching philosophy. Use our free resume template and cover letter template.
Lehigh champions inclusion through the President's Initiative for Faculty Excellence, targeting underrepresented groups. Programs like ADVANCE provide mentorship for women in STEM. The Office of Institutional Equity enforces anti-bias hiring, with training mandatory. Student demographics (diverse Class of 2023) mirror staff goals, promoting equity in higher ed jobs.
Lehigh's campus in Bethlehem offers stunning views, with winter nights described as magical on South Mountain. Employees access gyms, counseling, and flexible schedules. Family benefits include tuition remission and child care support. Community events, like commencement with speakers such as CJ McCollum, build camaraderie. Proximity to Philadelphia enhances lifestyle, balancing rigorous work with recreation.
Wellness programs and sabbaticals support recharge, making it ideal for long-term careers.
Jobs at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offer rewarding paths for academics and professionals. From faculty to research roles, the university provides growth amid a supportive environment. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your career.
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