Saint Louis University (SLU), a private Jesuit research university founded in 1818, stands as the oldest university west of the Mississippi River and a cornerstone of higher education in St. Louis, Missouri. Located in the vibrant Midtown neighborhood, SLU employs thousands in roles spanning faculty, research, administration, and support staff. Jobs at Saint Louis University attract professionals passionate about academic excellence, Jesuit values of service, and innovative research. The university's commitment to educating the whole person aligns with positions that emphasize teaching, scholarship, and community engagement.
With approximately 13,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, SLU offers diverse opportunities. Its schools include the School of Medicine, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, School of Law, and Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology. These units drive demand for specialized roles, from tenure-track professors to research assistants. In 2023, SLU reported over $50 million in research expenditures, fueling research jobs in biomedical sciences and public health.
Established by Bishop Louis William DuBourg as a seminary, Saint Louis University evolved into a comprehensive university by the mid-19th century. Its Jesuit sponsorship since 1827 shapes job expectations, prioritizing cura personalis (care for the whole person) and social justice. This mission influences hiring, favoring candidates who integrate ethics into teaching and research. Historically, SLU pioneered programs like the first U.S. pharmacy school (1901) and sustained aviation education since 1928, creating niche job markets in these fields.
Today, SLU's bicentennial in 2018 highlighted its resilience, including navigating urban relocation in 1967 to its current 271-acre campus. Employees contribute to this legacy, with jobs emphasizing innovation amid challenges like enrollment growth to 13,500 students pre-pandemic.
Saint Louis University posts a variety of academic and professional roles. Faculty positions include assistant, associate, and full professors in departments like aerospace engineering or theology. Adjunct roles provide flexible teaching opportunities, while postdoc jobs support early-career researchers. Administrative openings span deans, department chairs, and HR specialists. Explore university job types for a full breakdown of faculty, staff, and executive positions tailored to institutions like SLU.
In Missouri's higher ed landscape, SLU competes with Washington University, offering competitive salaries averaging $90,000 for assistant professors per recent data.
Entry into faculty jobs at Saint Louis University typically demands a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, MD, etc.) in the relevant discipline. For example, positions in the School of Medicine require board certification or equivalent. Lecturer roles may accept a master's with significant experience. Administrative jobs like academic advisors prefer master's degrees in counseling or education. SLU verifies credentials through transcripts and references, aligning with Higher Learning Commission standards.
SLU prioritizes research in translational medicine, gerontology, and sustainability. Expertise in areas like vaccine development (via the Saint Louis University Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit) or aviation safety is highly sought. Faculty must demonstrate potential for external funding, with success rates in NIH grants above national averages for similar institutions. Interdisciplinary work, such as combining AI with public health, aligns with SLU's Centers of Excellence.
Candidates with 3-5 years of postdoctoral experience, 5+ peer-reviewed publications, and grant history stand out. Teaching portfolios showing student engagement metrics, like high course evaluations, are crucial. Prior service in professional organizations or community outreach reflects Jesuit ideals. For admin roles, 5+ years in higher ed management is preferred.
Core competencies include pedagogical innovation, data-driven research, ethical leadership, and cultural competence. Proficiency in tools like SPSS for stats or MATLAB for engineering enhances applications. Soft skills such as mentorship and teamwork are vital in SLU's collaborative environment.
The application process begins on SLU's careers site, requiring a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references. Tailor materials to Jesuit mission; quantify achievements (e.g., "Secured $200K grant"). Network via conferences or alumni events. Prepare for interviews with teaching demos and research seminars. Tips: Use free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com; proofread rigorously; follow up promptly. Recent hires note emphasizing diversity contributions boosts chances.
Saint Louis University advances equity through the Billiken Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework. Initiatives include the Cross Cultural Leadership Minor, hiring goals for underrepresented groups (30% increase in diverse faculty since 2015), and the Saint Louis University Museum of Art's inclusive programming. Affinity groups support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC employees, fostering a welcoming environment aligned with Ignatian spirituality.
SLU supports balance with generous PTO (up to 22 days/year), parental leave, and EAP services. Campus life buzzes with events like Midnight Breakfast during finals, athletic games (Billikens basketball), and proximity to Forest Park. St. Louis offers affordable living (median home $150K), cultural gems like the Gateway Arch, and a thriving food scene. Employees enjoy tuition remission for dependents, wellness centers, and Jesuit retreat opportunities, enhancing personal growth.
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review of teaching, research, and service, typically 6-7 years at SLU.
Postdoctoral fellow (postdoc): Temporary research position post-PhD for skill-building, often 2-3 years with salary around $55K.
Jesuit education: Holistic approach emphasizing intellectual competence, liberality, religious, and loving service to justice.
Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor without tenure path, paid per course.
Grant funding: Financial support from bodies like NSF or NIH for research projects.
Jobs at Saint Louis University blend academic rigor with meaningful impact in St. Louis. From higher ed jobs to faculty openings, opportunities abound. Leverage higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. SLU's future-focused environment awaits dedicated professionals.
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