"Assistant Teaching Professor of Philosophy"

Hiring Department

UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

SCHOOL of HUMANITIES and SOCIAL SCIENCES

Department of Political Science and Philosophy

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a broad and diverse educational experience for students interested in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Analyzing ideas and human experiences from a wide variety of perspectives prepares students for careers in government, law, education, communication, digital media, political organizations and more. The school offers a wide range of coursework that suits the specific needs of students seeking professional careers or those wanting to further their academic studies.

The Department of Political Science and Philosophy provides a world-class education with accessible and engaged faculty. We are committed to our undergraduate degree courses and programs, guided by cutting-edge research. The Philosophy program offers a major and a minor, in addition to an Ethics Certificate. Learn more about the department here: https://shss.umkc.edu/areas-of-study/political-science-and-philosophy/.

Job Description

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor of Philosophy. The successful applicant will teach courses that support the Philosophy major/minor, the Ethics Certificate, and the UMKC Essentials general education program, reflecting their strong training and expertise in critical thinking and ethical inquiry. In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will oversee and grow the Ethics Certificate through student recruitment, course development with our interdisciplinary partners, and community outreach and engagement. This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, renewable, 9-month contract to begin Fall Semester 2026. This faculty position provides opportunity for ranked non-tenure track promotion.

The search committee will prioritize candidates with demonstrated excellence in teaching and student mentorship. Candidates with experience teaching ethics, critical thinking, and/or general education courses are especially welcome, as are those with the ability to guide ethical inquiry through texts, media, or other materials that are approachable, engaging, and meaningful for students. Candidates may also highlight experience with courses in logic and scientific reasoning, and civic and urban engagement. Candidates with prior experience in curriculum development and program or certificate coordination are encouraged to apply. Candidates with at least two years of teaching experience are strongly preferred. We seek a long-term colleague who will contribute to UMKC's mission as a student-centered, urban research university committed to bringing cultural, social, health, and economic prosperity to the metropolitan, regional, and global communities we serve.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Philosophy or a closely related field is required by August 1, 2026.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Compensation is commensurate with rank, qualifications/credentials, instructional experience and fields of demonstrated excellence.

Our academic schedules and workload provide for a positive work/life balance.

Application Materials

For consideration you must complete the online application electronically at https://info.umkc.edu/hr/careers/academic-positions. Click on Academic Positions, Job Opening 59063.

Complete applications must include:

• a cover letter of no more than 2 pages addressing the applicant's academic training and relevant teaching experiences,
• a curriculum vitae
• a teaching portfolio (including a teaching statement, at least one recent syllabus, and sample evaluations).

All application materials should be combined into one PDF or Microsoft Word document with a maximum size of 11 MB and uploaded as your resume attachment. Please limit the document name to 50 characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.).

Please also arrange for three official letters of professional reference to be sent to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Bruce Bubacz (bubaczb@umkc.edu). Where possible, we request that the letters address the applicant's teaching.

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.
• For questions about the position, please contact: Dr. Bruce Bubacz (bubaczb@umkc.edu).
• Reasonable accommodations may be requested during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.

We will contact references and request educational transcripts for applicants who progress to the finalist stage. A Criminal Background Check is required for hire.

Application Deadline

Initial review of applications will begin on April 1, 2026 and continue until a qualified candidate is identified.