Syracuse University, located in Syracuse, New York, is a private research university founded in 1870. Nestled in the heart of upstate New York, it spans a 661-acre campus known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Crouse College with its Gothic Revival style. The university enrolls over 15,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students across 13 schools and colleges, making it a hub for academic excellence in the United States. Renowned for programs in communications through the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, public policy at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and architecture at the School of Architecture, Syracuse attracts top talent seeking meaningful careers in higher education.
Jobs at Syracuse University span faculty, research, administrative, and support roles, contributing to its mission of advancing knowledge and preparing leaders. The institution's location in Syracuse offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, with proximity to the Finger Lakes region and easy access to major cities like New York City and Toronto. For those interested in higher ed jobs, Syracuse provides opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and teaching in a supportive environment.
Careers at Syracuse University are diverse, catering to academics, professionals, and support staff. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, clinical professors, and lecturers in disciplines like journalism, engineering, and the humanities. Research roles such as postdoctoral associates and research assistants are prevalent in labs focusing on artificial intelligence, climate science, and public health. Administrative jobs cover areas like student affairs, finance, and human resources. For a detailed breakdown, explore university job types.
Staff positions in facilities, IT, and athletics support the university's Division I sports programs, including the Syracuse Orange basketball team. Entry-level roles often require a bachelor's degree, while senior positions demand advanced expertise. Salaries are competitive, with full professors earning upwards of $150,000 annually, according to recent data from university salary reports.
To secure faculty jobs at Syracuse University, candidates typically need a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in their field from an accredited institution. For example, positions in the College of Arts and Sciences require a doctorate in fields like biology or history, while the Whitman School of Management may accept a DBA for business roles. Lecturers often hold a master's degree with significant teaching experience.
Research positions demand specialized training, such as postdoctoral experience for advanced roles. Administrative jobs vary: entry-level may require a bachelor's, but director-level positions often need a master's or PhD plus years of higher education experience. Certifications like SHRM for HR roles enhance candidacy.
Syracuse University's research emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration. Key areas include media studies at Newhouse, where expertise in digital journalism and data analytics is prized; public policy at Maxwell, focusing on citizenship and international relations; and engineering innovations in cybersecurity and renewable energy. The university invests over $80 million annually in research, supporting centers like the Syracuse University Lubin House in New York City for global studies.
Candidates should demonstrate expertise through prior projects, such as publications on AI ethics or grants from the National Science Foundation. For STEM roles, familiarity with tools like MATLAB or Python is essential.
Employers at Syracuse University value a track record of peer-reviewed publications, successful grant applications (e.g., from NIH or NEH), and teaching excellence evidenced by student evaluations. Preferred experience includes mentoring diverse student groups and interdisciplinary work.
Soft skills like adaptability and collaboration are crucial in this dynamic academic setting. Learn how to craft a standout academic CV.
The application process begins with searching openings on the Syracuse University careers portal or sites like university jobs. Submit a tailored cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research agenda, and three references. Interviews often include job talks and campus visits.
Avoid common pitfalls like generic applications; instead, reference specific faculty or initiatives. Processing times vary from 3-6 months.
Syracuse University champions diversity through its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which oversees programs like the Advance Collaborative Access and Inclusion initiative to boost underrepresented faculty hires. The university's strategic plan includes goals for increasing women and minority representation in STEM, with successes like the highest percentage of women in engineering faculty among peers.
Initiatives include bias training, affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC staff, and the "It Starts with Me" campaign promoting allyship. In 2023, over 40% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, reflecting commitment to inclusive excellence.
Syracuse fosters work-life balance with generous parental leave (up to 12 weeks), flexible work arrangements, and an Employee Assistance Program. The campus features modern facilities like the Barnes Center for wellness, offering gym, counseling, and yoga classes. Syracuse, New York, provides affordable living, with average home prices around $250,000, and cultural attractions like the Everson Museum of Art.
Campus life buzzes with events: Orange Central homecoming, lectures by notables like Joe Biden, and Division I athletics. Proximity to Skaneateles Lake supports hiking and skiing, ideal for recharging. Employees enjoy tuition benefits for family, enhancing long-term satisfaction.
Competitive benefits include comprehensive health coverage, 403(b) retirement matching up to 10%, and sabbaticals for faculty. Professional growth opportunities abound via the Future Professors Institute and grants for conferences. Explore higher ed career advice for advancement tips.
For employer branding strategies, see insights on attracting talent in higher education.
Jobs at Syracuse University offer a chance to thrive in a prestigious institution amid the vibrant Syracuse community. Whether seeking faculty, research, or admin roles, the university provides growth opportunities. Check current listings on higher ed jobs, refine your profile with higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Start your journey today in this dynamic academic environment.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
