About the role
The Social Science Division of Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in Political Theory to begin August 1, 2027. The successful candidate will initially teach five courses per academic year, including survey classes in ancient and modern political thought, American political thought, and Christian political thought. The selected candidate will also be expected to publish peer-reviewed research in political theory broadly construed and to advise political science majors and serve on faculty committees. Completion of the PhD by the start date is strongly preferred, but ABD candidates who demonstrate exceptional promise may be considered.
Pepperdine’s undergraduate Seaver College is a residential liberal arts college of approximately 3,500 students situated in Malibu, California. Successful applicants must have an active commitment to the Christian mission of the University and reflect on their willingness to support the mission of Seaver College in their application materials.
Applicants should provide the following materials: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a response to the University’s Christian mission 4) transcripts of all graduate work (copies are acceptable during the application process; official transcripts will be required for selected applicants), and 5) names and contact information for three references (the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if the candidate proceeds with interviews).
Application Instructions
Review of applicants will begin on October 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit all application materials to https://apply.interfolio.com/191828.
The standard application documents are:
- Letter of application
- Curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information for three references. These should be the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if you proceed with the interview process.
- Transcripts of all graduate work. (Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application; however, official transcripts may be required for selected applicants.)
- Personal Statement. Reflect on Pepperdine’s Christian mission and address your pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and the University’s mission, your active participation in a faith community, and your practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom.
Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.
Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.
This is a Full-Time, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.
Expected Pay Range: $91,527 - $97,701 per year
The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.
Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.
Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire, and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.
Please address any inquiries regarding the position to the chair of the search committee:
Karie Riddle (karie.riddle@pepperdine.edu)
Social Science Division
Seaver College, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263