The Humanities and Teacher Education Division of Seaver College, Pepperdine University’s residential liberal arts college, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with a specialization in Early American Literature beginning in August 2027. Candidates with additional expertise in composition, rhetoric, or grammar are strongly preferred. Candidates must have completed their Ph.D. by July 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability and preference for undergraduate teaching, an openness to conducting research with or mentoring undergraduate students, an active research agenda, a willingness to collaborate with colleagues in other disciplines, outstanding oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and an ongoing commitment to the university's Christian mission. Responsibilities include teaching upper- and lower-division literature and writing courses in both the major and general education, including survey classes in American literature that extend beyond the candidate’s primary area of research.

Review of applications begins October 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

The salary for this appointment will range from $91,527 - $97,701 per year and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

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.

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, staff, and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine 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 are active members in a Church of Christ congregation.

Application Instructions

• [Cover Letter] A letter of application
• [C.V.] A curriculum vitae
• [Contact References] 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] 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.

Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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.