Washington & Jefferson College, often referred to as W&J College, is a private liberal arts institution located in Washington, Pennsylvania, just 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1781, it holds the distinction of being the second-oldest college west of the Allegheny Mountains in the United States. With approximately 1,200 undergraduate students, W&J offers a close-knit academic community focused on personalized education, rigorous scholarship, and preparing students for leadership roles in various professions. The college's campus spans 60 acres and features historic buildings alongside modern facilities, fostering an environment that balances tradition with innovation.
Jobs at Washington & Jefferson College span faculty, administrative, and support roles, attracting professionals passionate about undergraduate teaching and research. The institution emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and has strong pre-professional programs in business, engineering, premed, and law. Its location in Pennsylvania provides access to research collaborations with nearby universities like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon, making it appealing for academics seeking a small-college atmosphere with big opportunities.
Established as two separate institutions—Washington Academy (1780) and Jefferson College (1787)—W&J merged in 1865, creating a unique heritage tied to the American founding. Influenced by Presbyterian roots, the college promotes values of intellectual inquiry, ethical leadership, and community service. Today, its mission centers on delivering a transformative liberal arts education that equips students with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for higher ed jobs.
This history shapes job opportunities, prioritizing faculty who embody the college's commitment to teaching excellence and mentorship. Employees contribute to a legacy of producing notable alumni, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugh D. Scott and Nobel laureate John Forbes Nash Jr.
W&J College features over 40 majors across arts, sciences, and professional studies. Key departments actively hiring include Business and Economics, known for its AACSB-accredited program; Biology and Neuroscience, with cutting-edge labs; Computer Science, emphasizing AI and data science; and English and Communication, focusing on digital media. The college also supports interdisciplinary centers like the Center for Energy Policy and the W&J Peace Corps Prep Program.
Faculty jobs at Washington & Jefferson College often involve teaching 3-4 courses per semester, advising students, and conducting research. For example, positions in the Department of Economics might require expertise in econometrics or environmental economics, aligning with regional industries in Pennsylvania.
Explore university job types for a breakdown of faculty, adjunct, and staff positions common at liberal arts colleges like W&J.
Liberal Arts College: A type of undergraduate institution emphasizing broad education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences, promoting critical thinking over vocational training. W&J exemplifies this with its core curriculum requiring courses across disciplines.
Tenure-Track Position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after probationary period, involving teaching, research, and service. At W&J, tenure review occurs after 6 years.
Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor without tenure path, often hired per course. W&J uses adjuncts for specialized classes.
Pre-Professional Program: Curricula preparing students for graduate studies in medicine, law, or business. W&J's programs boast high acceptance rates to top med schools (90%+).
To secure jobs at Washington & Jefferson College, candidates need strong academic credentials tailored to liberal arts teaching. Required academic qualifications typically include a PhD (or ABD status for some entry-level roles) in the relevant field from an accredited institution. For example, a biology faculty position requires a PhD in molecular biology or related area.
Research focus at W&J centers on undergraduate involvement, with faculty expected to mentor students on projects leading to publications or presentations. Preferred experience includes 2-5 years of teaching at small colleges, peer-reviewed publications (3+ for assistant professor), and securing external grants like those from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Key skills and competencies encompass excellent teaching (measured by student evaluations >4.0/5), communication for diverse audiences, and adaptability to a residential college environment. Technical skills like data analysis software (R, Python) are valued in sciences, while leadership in committees is essential for advancement. Emotional intelligence for student mentoring is crucial in W&J's supportive culture.
The application process for jobs at Washington & Jefferson College begins with checking the college's career page or platforms like higher ed jobs listings on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter addressing the position and college mission, CV, teaching philosophy statement (1-2 pages), research agenda, and three letters of recommendation. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and campus visits.
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W&J College prioritizes diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offering programs like the Presidents' Diversity Leadership Council and affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and students of color. The college participates in the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) for underrepresented hires and has increased faculty diversity by 20% since 2015. Initiatives include bias training, inclusive hiring practices, and support for first-generation employees. Examples: The Women in Science program funds female STEM faculty research, and cultural competency workshops are mandatory.
Employees at Washington & Jefferson College enjoy a supportive environment with flexible scheduling, generous parental leave (12 weeks), and wellness programs including gym access and counseling. The small size allows close collaborations without bureaucracy, with faculty load of 12-14 courses/year balanced by sabbaticals every 7 years. Campus life features traditions like the Magpie, a student newspaper, and events such as Presidents' Day. Proximity to Pittsburgh offers cultural amenities, while the quaint town of Washington provides low cost of living (20% below national average) and family-friendly vibe. Remote work options exist for admin roles, enhancing balance.
W&J provides comprehensive benefits: TIAA retirement matching up to 10%, full health coverage, tuition remission (100% for children at W&J or partner schools), and $3,000 annual professional development funds. Faculty access research grants and summer stipends. The college supports conference travel and tenure-track mentoring programs. Salaries are competitive for liberal arts: $75K starting assistant professor.
Jobs at Washington & Jefferson College offer rewarding opportunities in a historic liberal arts setting. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs as faculty or staff, the college's focus on teaching excellence and community makes it ideal. For career guidance, visit higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Start your journey today with W&J's vibrant Pennsylvania campus.
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