Santa Clara University (SCU), located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara, California, is a private Jesuit university founded in 1851. It stands as one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state, blending rigorous academics with a commitment to ethics, social justice, and innovation. With approximately 9,000 students, SCU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across seven colleges and schools, including the Leavey School of Business, School of Engineering, and School of Law. The university's proximity to tech giants like Google and Apple makes it a hub for careers in technology, business, and research.
Jobs at Santa Clara University attract professionals passionate about education in a dynamic environment. Faculty positions emphasize teaching excellence, scholarly research, and community engagement, while administrative roles support the university's mission. The institution values candidates who align with its Jesuit Catholic tradition, focusing on competence, conscience, and compassion.
Established as Santa Clara College by the Society of Jesus, SCU evolved into a university in 1912. Its history is marked by milestones like the first California law school west of the Mississippi in 1911 and pioneering engineering programs. Today, SCU's mission centers on forming leaders who think critically, act ethically, and serve competently. This ethos shapes jobs at the university, prioritizing roles that contribute to student formation and societal impact.
The university's location in Santa Clara, California, enhances job appeal, offering access to industry partnerships and research opportunities in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and sustainable energy.
SCU's colleges include Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Education and Counseling Psychology, Law, and Theology. Popular programs feature computer science, finance, and bioengineering. Jobs at Santa Clara University span these areas, with faculty openings in departments like electrical engineering or marketing.
Research centers such as the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics influence hiring, seeking experts in ethical leadership. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or research jobs for current listings.
Santa Clara University posts diverse roles, from tenure-track professors to adjunct lecturers, research associates, and staff positions in admissions or IT. Faculty jobs involve teaching, research, and service; administrative roles manage operations. For a full breakdown, visit university job types.
Lecturer jobs and professor jobs are common, with emphasis on interdisciplinary roles. Check lecturer jobs or professor jobs.
For faculty positions, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard. For example, engineering roles require a PhD in electrical engineering or related discipline. Law positions need a JD (Juris Doctor) and bar admission. Business roles often seek a PhD or DBA (Doctor of Business Administration).
Entry-level research assistant jobs may accept master's degrees, but senior roles demand doctorates. SCU verifies credentials through transcripts and references.
SCU prioritizes research in Silicon Valley-aligned areas: AI ethics, renewable energy, biotechnology, and social entrepreneurship. Expertise in grant writing for NSF (National Science Foundation) or NEH (National Endowment for the Humanities) funding is valued. Collaborative projects with industry partners like Intel are common.
Candidates with publications in top journals or patents strengthen applications. See postdoctoral success for thriving in research.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of postdoctoral work, peer-reviewed publications (5+ for associate professors), teaching diverse student populations, and securing grants. Interdisciplinary experience, such as combining engineering with ethics, aligns with SCU's strengths.
Prior service in Jesuit institutions or community outreach is a plus. Explore higher ed postdoc jobs.
Essential skills for jobs at Santa Clara University include strong communication, pedagogical innovation, data analysis proficiency, and cultural competence. Technical roles demand programming in Python or MATLAB; soft skills emphasize mentorship and ethical decision-making.
The application process starts on SCU's careers site (scu.edu/hr/careers). Submit a CV, cover letter, teaching statement, research agenda, and diversity statement. References are requested later; interviews include teaching demos.
Tips:
Deadlines are strict; follow up politely. Read how to write a winning academic CV.
SCU's commitment shines through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, offering faculty development workshops, mentorship for underrepresented groups, and the President's Advisory Council. Initiatives include hiring goals for diverse faculty (30% increase since 2015) and bias-free search committees. Affinity groups support Latinx, Black, and LGBTQ+ scholars. This fosters inclusive jobs at Santa Clara University.
SCU supports balance with generous PTO (20+ days/year), parental leave (12 weeks), sabbaticals every 6 years, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for wellness. Campus life features Mission Gardens, sports facilities, and events like Broncos games. Silicon Valley location offers hiking in nearby hills and cultural access in San Francisco. Flexible hybrid options post-pandemic enhance appeal.
Faculty enjoy research leaves and professional development funds ($3K/year). Community includes 100+ clubs, promoting holistic growth.
Jobs at Santa Clara University offer rewarding opportunities in a vibrant, ethical environment. From faculty to admin roles, align your expertise with SCU's mission. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your academic journey.
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