Jobs at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, attract educators, researchers, and administrators passionate about higher education. This private institution, nestled in the scenic Wyoming Valley, provides a supportive environment for academic careers. Faculty positions, lecturer roles, and research assistant opportunities span disciplines like pharmacy, nursing, education, business, and engineering. Whether you're a seasoned professor or an emerging scholar, Wilkes University emphasizes innovative teaching and community engagement. The university's commitment to student success translates into dynamic roles that blend scholarship with real-world impact. Current listings, available on platforms like Indeed and the university's own career site, highlight needs in STEM fields and health sciences, reflecting regional demands in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Established in 1933 as Bucknell Junior College, Wilkes University gained independence in 1947 and adopted its current name in honor of local industrialist Ezra Wilkes. Over decades, it expanded from a junior college to a comprehensive university with over 40 undergraduate and 20 graduate programs. Key milestones include the launch of its renowned pharmacy program in 1997 and growth in online education post-2010. This evolution has shaped job opportunities, with steady demand for faculty in expanding areas like biotechnology and cybersecurity. Understanding this history helps aspiring applicants align their expertise with the university's trajectory toward research excellence and experiential learning.
The campus, spanning 48 acres along the Susquehanna River, fosters a close-knit community ideal for collaborative research. Jobs here often involve interdisciplinary projects, such as environmental studies tied to local ecology, making positions appealing for those seeking meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.
Wilkes University's diverse offerings create varied job landscapes. The College of Science and Engineering seeks professors in mechanical engineering and computer science, while the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership hires for management and finance lecturer roles. The Passan School of Nursing frequently posts clinical faculty positions, requiring expertise in patient care simulation. Education programs emphasize K-12 preparation, attracting instructional designers and research assistants focused on pedagogy innovation.
In research-heavy areas, opportunities abound for postdocs and assistants in pharmaceutical sciences, where the university's Nesbitt School leads in drug development studies. These programs not only define the curriculum but also fuel grant-funded positions, enhancing career growth for applicants with specialized knowledge.
Jobs at Wilkes University encompass tenure-track professor positions, adjunct lecturer gigs, research assistants, and administrative roles. Professors lead departments, conduct research, and mentor students, often requiring leadership in curriculum development. Lecturers focus on teaching, delivering courses in dynamic formats like hybrid classes. Research assistants support labs, analyzing data for publications in journals like those from the American Chemical Society.
For a deeper dive into these, explore university job types. Adjunct professor jobs and research assistant jobs are common entry points, leading to full-time professor jobs.
To clarify key terms for jobs at Wilkes University:
Securing jobs at Wilkes University demands targeted qualifications. For faculty positions, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard, such as a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for health sciences roles. Research focus varies: engineering professors might specialize in sustainable materials, while education faculty emphasize inclusive pedagogy.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+), and grant funding from sources like the National Science Foundation. Skills and competencies encompass:
Learn how to craft a standout application with advice from how to write a winning academic CV.
The application process begins at the official AcademicJobs.com listings or Wilkes University's ApplicantPro portal (wilkesuniversitycareers.applicantpro.com). Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Searches peak in fall for August starts.
Actionable tips: Use free resources like our free resume template and free cover letter template. For lecturer aspirations, review become a university lecturer insights. Network via conferences or LinkedIn for insider edges.
Wilkes University champions diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, hosting annual events like Cultural Heritage Month celebrations. Hiring practices include bias training for search committees and targeted outreach to underrepresented groups via partnerships with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and Hispanic-serving institutions. The Inclusive Excellence Plan sets goals for faculty diversity, with metrics showing increased hires from minority backgrounds since 2020. Employee affinity groups support LGBTQ+ and women in STEM, fostering belonging. These efforts ensure jobs at Wilkes University reflect the pluralistic fabric of Pennsylvania's higher education landscape.
Work-life balance at Wilkes University is bolstered by generous PTO (paid time off), up to 35 hours weekly for most faculty, and wellness programs including gym access and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) counseling. Flexible scheduling accommodates research travel and family needs. Campus life thrives with events like the annual Faculty Development Conference, theater productions, and athletics supporting 22 NCAA Division III teams. Wilkes-Barre, population 44,000, offers affordable housing (median home $150,000), proximity to Pocono Mountains for hiking, and Scranton Airport for travel. Dining options range from campus cafes to local eateries, while cultural venues like the Kirby Center host concerts. This blend creates a rejuvenating backdrop for academic careers, minimizing urban stress while maximizing professional fulfillment.
With ongoing expansions in online programs and research centers, jobs at Wilkes University remain competitive yet accessible. Salaries for assistant professors average $70,000-$90,000, per national benchmarks adjusted for Pennsylvania. Stay updated via higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider recruitment services. For employers, post a job to connect with talent. Wilkes University invites dedicated professionals to join its legacy of excellence in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
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