Ethics Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the contemporary world, the attention on ethics professors has never been greater.

As society grapples with complex moral dilemmas, the demand for thought leaders who can shape, enhance, and protect our ethical landscape heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an ethics professor?

Whether you are:

• An academic seeking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A university hiring committee outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the realm of ethical studies,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable ethics professor job description template, designed for easy posting on academic job boards or university career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Ethics Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Ethics Professors perform a variety of tasks related to teaching, academic research, and service to their academic community.

They are specialists in the field of ethics and apply their expertise to guide students in understanding complex moral and ethical issues.

The duties and responsibilities of an Ethics Professor include:

• Developing and delivering lectures on ethical theory and practice
• Assigning, marking, and providing feedback on student assignments and exams
• Conducting research in the field of ethics and publishing findings in academic journals
• Providing academic guidance and advice to students
• Developing course syllabi and selecting appropriate textbooks and readings
• Staying current with developments in the field of ethics
• Participating in faculty meetings and serving on committees
• Advising student groups related to the study of ethics
• Contributing to the design and revision of ethics curriculum
• Maintaining office hours to meet with students and address their queries and concerns

 

Ethics Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly knowledgeable and engaging Ethics Professor to join our academic team.

The role involves educating students on various ethical theories and principles, fostering a classroom environment that encourages open discussions about ethics, and conducting research in the field of ethics.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in philosophical ethics, a passion for teaching, and the ability to inspire critical thinking and ethical behavior in students.

The Ethics Professor will develop and teach courses, advise students, and contribute to the development of the department’s curriculum.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach courses in the field of ethics
• Lead classroom discussions and encourage critical thinking
• Conduct research in the field of ethics
• Publish scholarly articles and books
• Advise students on their academic and career paths
• Participate in department and college activities
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Philosophy or a related field
• Proven experience as a professor or lecturer
• Strong understanding of ethical theories and principles
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Track record of research and publication in the field of ethics
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to stimulate thought and discussion

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Ethics Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for conferences or seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Philosophy Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Ethics Professor Do?

An Ethics Professor is an academic professional who primarily teaches courses related to ethical theories, moral philosophies, and ethical decision-making at a college or university level.

Their primary role involves designing course curriculum, delivering lectures, leading classroom discussions, and evaluating student performance.

They may teach various subjects within the realm of ethics, such as business ethics, bioethics, environmental ethics, and philosophical ethics.

An Ethics Professor guides students in thinking critically about moral and ethical dilemmas, encouraging them to examine these issues from multiple perspectives.

They often employ real-life case studies to illustrate ethical concepts and principles.

In addition to teaching, Ethics Professors may also conduct research in their field of expertise, publishing their findings in academic journals and presenting at conferences.

They may also provide consultation on ethical matters to businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

As educators, Ethics Professors serve as mentors to their students, providing academic advising, supervising student research, and supporting students in their intellectual and personal growth.

 

Ethics Professor Qualifications and Skills

An Ethics Professor should possess a distinct blend of academic knowledge, soft skills, and teaching aptitude to effectively guide students in understanding the complex concepts of ethics, including:

• Strong understanding of moral philosophy, ethical theories, and related academic disciplines to impart comprehensive knowledge to students.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly explain complex ethical concepts and engage in meaningful academic discussions.
• Research skills to stay updated with the latest developments, findings, and debates in the field of ethics.
• Interpersonal skills to foster a respectful and open learning environment where students feel comfortable to express their views and opinions.
• Ability to use a variety of teaching methods and technologies to cater to different learning styles and enhance student understanding.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to analyze ethical dilemmas, evaluate arguments, and guide students in logical reasoning.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand student perspectives and facilitate discussions around sensitive ethical issues.
• An advanced degree in Ethics, Philosophy, or a related discipline, preferably a PhD. Teaching experience in higher education is also often required.

 

Ethics Professor Experience Requirements

An Ethics Professor is typically expected to hold a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D., in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics or a related field.

The actual work experience varies depending on the institution, however, prior teaching experience, particularly at the university level, is often highly preferred.

A postdoctoral teaching or research fellowship can provide valuable hands-on experience for aspiring Ethics Professors.

During this time, they can develop a deeper understanding of philosophical theories, conduct research, and have their work published in academic journals.

This is considered a crucial form of experience, particularly for those seeking a position at a research-intensive university.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 3 years of teaching experience, often gained through teaching assistant roles during their graduate studies.

They may also have experience presenting at academic conferences, which is seen as valuable in the field of academia.

Candidates with more than 5 years of teaching and research experience in the field of Ethics are often considered more competitive.

They should ideally have a strong record of research and publication, with their work being recognized by the academic community.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may be considered for senior roles, such as department head or dean, depending on their leadership skills, administrative experience, and their contribution to the field of Ethics through teaching, research, and publication.

 

Ethics Professor Education and Training Requirements

Ethics Professors typically have a doctoral degree in philosophy, ethics or a related discipline.

The path to becoming an Ethics Professor usually begins with completing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy or a related field.

Advanced coursework in ethical theories and practice is often recommended.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, prospective Ethics Professors usually pursue a master’s degree in philosophy or ethics.

Some may choose to focus on a specific area of ethics, such as medical ethics, business ethics, or bioethics.

The final step in educational preparation for this role is to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy or a related field, with a focus on ethics.

This often involves conducting original research and presenting a dissertation.

Beyond formal education, Ethics Professors need strong critical thinking skills to analyze complex ethical dilemmas.

They also need excellent communication skills to effectively convey these concepts to students.

Aspiring Ethics Professors may also gain teaching experience as graduate teaching assistants during their doctoral studies.

Some institutions may require professors to have a record of published research, so developing a portfolio of academic writing can be beneficial.

Continuing education and staying updated with current ethical issues and theories is also crucial for Ethics Professors.

They may also choose to become certified by a philosophical or ethical society to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field.

 

Ethics Professor Salary Expectations

An Ethics Professor typically earns an average salary of $87,122 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the prestige of the institution they work for, and the region in which they are based.

 

Ethics Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Ethics Professor need?

An Ethics Professor should possess excellent communication skills to articulate complex ethical theories and concepts clearly to students.

They should have strong analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a thorough understanding of various ethical frameworks.

The professor should also have strong research capabilities, as well as the ability to inspire and motivate students to engage in critical thinking and debate.

 

Does an Ethics Professor need a degree?

Yes, an Ethics Professor typically requires a doctoral degree in ethics, philosophy, or a related field.

Most institutions prefer candidates who have extensive teaching experience at the university level and a track record of academic research and publications in the field of ethics.

 

What should you look for in an Ethics Professor resume?

An Ethics Professor’s resume should indicate a strong academic background in ethics or philosophy, with an emphasis on a doctoral degree and any specialized areas of study.

Look for significant teaching experience and a record of academic publications and research.

The resume may also include memberships in professional organizations, presentations at academic conferences, and awards or recognitions.

 

What qualities make a good Ethics Professor?

A good Ethics Professor is passionate about the subject and has the ability to inspire this passion in their students.

They should be a critical thinker, capable of analyzing complex ethical dilemmas and guiding students to do the same.

The professor should also be approachable, encouraging open discussions and promoting a respectful environment for diverse viewpoints.

Lastly, they should be committed to continuous learning and staying updated on current ethical debates and issues.

 

What are the daily duties of an Ethics Professor?

An Ethics Professor’s daily duties typically include preparing and delivering lectures, overseeing student discussions, grading assignments and exams, advising students, conducting scholarly research, and writing for academic journals.

They may also serve on academic committees and contribute to curriculum development.

The professor is also likely to attend conferences and seminars to keep abreast of developments in their field.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an ethics professor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching ethical theories.

It’s about shaping future leaders, one ethical dilemma at a time.

With our go-to ethics professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly equipped to step into this influential role.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating a well-defined job post or fine-tuning your curriculum vitae to excellence.

Remember:

Every ethical question answered shapes a better future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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