Assistant Professor of Ethics - Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability
Washington and Lee University: The Shepherd Program/Poverty and Inequality Studies
Location: Lexington, VA
Open Date: Aug 26, 2026
Deadline:
Description
The Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability at Washington and Lee University (W&L) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Ethics to begin in July 2027. We seek applicants from a variety of fields, including philosophy, religious studies, political science, law, and other relevant disciplines. Special consideration will be given to candidates whose scholarship and teaching focus on moral and social problems related to poverty or social inequality, broadly construed, including their legal and policy-related aspects; specific area of research specialization is open.
This position carries a 5-course teaching load distributed across Fall and Winter terms (12 weeks each) and W&L's distinctive Spring term (4 weeks). Teaching responsibilities include our interdisciplinary introduction to poverty and human capability studies-which combines ethical reasoning, empirical research, and practical policy considerations-as well as intermediate and advanced undergraduate ethics courses related to the faculty member's area of interest and contributing to the Shepherd mission and the Law, Justice, and Society program.
A signature program at W&L and a founding member of the national Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP), Shepherd prepares students-whatever their backgrounds, majors, career paths, or political perspectives-to understand and address the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in ways that respect the dignity of every person. Consequently, we seek a scholar-teacher who values interdisciplinary learning and who can mentor students of different backgrounds and beliefs through responsible, respectful inquiry into contested ethical and political questions.
To achieve our university's mission as a liberal arts college, we strive to foster a welcoming campus community that recognizes the value of all persons. Our program is committed to preparing our students for engaged citizenship by creating a positive learning and working environment for all through open and substantive dialogue. We welcome applications from candidates who would contribute to the university's mission and strategic plan.
The expected salary for this position is between $88,000 - $96,000. Offers are based on factors such as relevant education, experience, tenure status, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.
Washington and Lee University offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families, as well as substantial support for faculty development through research funding, a strong culture of mentorship, and a pre-tenure leave program. To learn more about working at W&L, employee benefits, and life in the Shenandoah Valley, visit jobs.wlu.edu.
Qualifications
A PhD in a relevant field (philosophy, religious studies, political science, etc.) or a JD by the time of appointment is required.
Application Instructions
Application review will begin on October 7, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should submit a:
- Letter of application that (a) describes their teaching interests, experience, and philosophy, especially in relation to teaching ethics; (b) summarizes their current and future scholarship; and (c) explains their approach to contributing to their academic communities;
- CV;
- List of three references.
All materials should be uploaded through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/192084. For more information, please contact Prof. Howard Pickett (picketthy@wlu.edu). Semi-finalists will be asked to supply three confidential letters of recommendation and a writing sample before their interview.
For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/192084
Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
About W&L
Washington and Lee University is a nationally ranked, private liberal arts institution located in Lexington, Virginia. W&L integrates the rigorous inquiry and critical thinking of a liberal arts curriculum with nationally accredited undergraduate programs in business and journalism, and a graduate School of Law. Our academic units are strengthened by meaningful collaborations, all in the service of the university's mission.
With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,860, our small size enables students to find mentors and develop personal relationships across campus. W&L is committed to institutional citizenship. We regard liberal arts education as an important public good, of value not only to our students and alumni, but also to the larger communities in which we live.
Our Mission
W&L provides a liberal arts education that develops students' capacity to think freely, critically, and humanely and to conduct themselves with honor, integrity, and civility. Graduates will be prepared for lifelong learning, personal achievement, responsible leadership, service to others, and engaged citizenship in a global society.
Our Community
W&L is the ninth-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S. and is located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. We are a modern university located on a beautiful and historically significant campus.
Our most valuable asset is the quality of our vibrant and welcoming community. Our faculty are devoted teachers and scholars who uphold the highest academic standards and take a personal interest in the lives of their students. Our staff takes pride in knowing that each individual makes important contributions to the success of the university. Our alumni are extraordinarily loyal and generous to their alma mater.
Washington and Lee is a welcoming, friendly, and mutually supportive community. Our students, faculty, and staff prize the trusting, respectful, and civil environment on our campus. We are united by our mission, diverse in our thinking, perspectives, and interests, and devoted to each other and to W&L. The university is committed to the recruitment, enrichment, and retention of faculty and staff who embody many experiences, backgrounds, points of view, and interests.
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