Philosophy Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the emphasis on Philosophy Professors has never been more pronounced.

Knowledge continues to evolve, and with each progression, the demand for gifted minds who can explore, develop, and protect our philosophical underpinnings grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Philosophy Professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of philosophical teaching,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Philosophy Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Philosophy Professors are tasked with educating students on various philosophical theories, thinkers, and traditions.

They create an environment conducive to critical thinking and debate.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Conducting lectures, seminars, and tutorials in the field of philosophy
• Assessing students’ performance through grading papers, examinations, and other assignments
• Advising students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and assisting them in course selection
• Keeping abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, engaging with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
• Pursuing individual or collaborative research to contribute to the body of knowledge within the discipline of philosophy
• Publishing findings in academic books or journals
• Collaborating with colleagues to address teaching and research issues
• Serving on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues
• Participating in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities

 

Philosophy Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated Philosophy Professor to join our academic team.

The Philosophy Professor will be responsible for developing curriculum, teaching courses, advising students, conducting research, and publishing findings.

Our ideal candidate should be experienced in teaching a wide range of philosophical theories and concepts, and have a strong commitment to academic research.

The primary role of the Philosophy Professor is to facilitate student learning in the field of philosophy, inspire critical thinking and contribute to the academic discourse through publication of original research.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement philosophy courses curriculum
• Deliver lectures, lead class discussions, and assess student performance
• Advise students on academic and career pathways
• Conduct high-quality research in philosophy
• Publish findings in academic journals or books
• Participate in faculty and college activities
• Stay current on advancements in the field
• Collaborate with colleagues on research and educational projects
• Contribute to academic administration as required
• Engage with the broader philosophical community

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Philosophy or a related field
• Proven experience as a Philosophy Professor or similar role
• Strong research background with publications in recognized journals
• Excellent knowledge of various philosophical theories and concepts
• Exceptional teaching skills
• Familiarity with online teaching platforms and methods
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills
• Commitment to academic service

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Philosophy Professor
• Work Environment: University campus setting. The position may require some travel for academic conferences or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Philosophy.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $130,000 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 resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of your publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Philosophy Professor Do?

Philosophy Professors typically work for colleges and universities.

They may also give guest lectures at various institutions and hold seminars or discussions at intellectual forums.

Their primary role is to teach philosophy courses to undergraduate or graduate students.

They plan and deliver lectures on various topics like moral philosophy, metaphysics, logic, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, and ancient or contemporary philosophy.

In addition to teaching, they design and implement course syllabi, prepare reading lists, and develop assignments, quizzes, and examinations to assess students’ understanding and progress in the subject.

Philosophy Professors also provide guidance and mentorship to students, helping them understand complex philosophical theories, aiding them in their research projects, and advising them on their academic and career paths.

Part of their job also involves conducting independent research in their area of expertise, writing research papers and articles, and presenting their findings in academic journals or conferences.

They are also likely to participate in departmental meetings, serve on academic or administrative committees, and contribute to the development of the institution’s philosophy curriculum.

 

Philosophy Professor Qualifications and Skills

A Philosophy Professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• A broad and deep understanding of philosophical concepts, theories, and methodologies to teach a wide range of philosophy courses.
• Exceptional communication skills to present complex philosophical ideas in an engaging and understandable manner to diverse student populations.
• Strong research skills in order to constantly stay updated with the latest philosophical discussions, arguments and theories.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills to challenge existing beliefs and encourage students to develop their own philosophies.
• Interpersonal skills to foster an open and respectful classroom environment where students feel comfortable to express their ideas and participate in debates.
• Teaching skills that include the ability to develop lesson plans, create engaging assignments, and assess student performance accurately.
• Mentoring abilities to guide students through their academic journey, including advising on course selection, supervising independent studies, and providing career advice.
• Writing skills to publish scholarly articles and books in the field of philosophy, contributing to the academic community and staying relevant in their field.

 

Philosophy Professor Experience Requirements

Aspiring Philosophy Professors usually need to obtain a doctoral degree in philosophy.

This often involves several years of intense study and research, culminating in a dissertation.

During this time, students will gain substantial knowledge in philosophy and develop their teaching skills through teaching assistantships.

Post-doctoral experience in teaching or research is often recommended.

This period allows individuals to further deepen their understanding of philosophy, sharpen their research skills, and gain practical teaching experience.

Depending on the institution and the specific philosophy discipline, this post-doctoral experience can last between 2 to 5 years.

Additionally, experience presenting research at academic conferences, producing published articles in reputable philosophy journals, or authoring a book on a philosophical topic is highly regarded.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have served in previous academic roles such as Associate or Assistant Professor.

They may also have undertaken administrative roles in their department or served on academic committees.

These candidates are likely to have a strong teaching record and may have developed specializations in certain areas of philosophy.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may be considered for senior roles such as Department Head or Dean.

This usually involves demonstrating leadership skills, making significant contributions to philosophy scholarship, and showing a commitment to mentoring younger faculty members.

 

Philosophy Professor Education and Training Requirements

A Philosophy Professor typically holds a Doctorate in Philosophy or a related field.

This requires first earning a bachelor’s degree, often in philosophy or a related field, and then a master’s degree in philosophy.

During their doctorate studies, future Philosophy Professors usually specialize in a specific area of philosophy, such as metaphysics, ethics, or philosophy of mind, among others.

To enter a doctoral program, one usually needs to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, particularly if it’s relevant to their area of study.

This is because many philosophical texts are not written in English, and understanding them in their original language can offer valuable nuance.

Before becoming Philosophy Professors, individuals usually gain experience through teaching assistantships during their postgraduate studies.

This helps them to learn how to instruct, develop lesson plans, and interact with students.

While not always required, some universities may prefer candidates who have published their research in academic journals or have presented at philosophy conferences.

This demonstrates their contribution to the field and their active engagement with ongoing philosophical discussions.

In order to maintain their positions, Philosophy Professors must stay updated with new research and theories in their field.

This often involves continued self-study, attending philosophy conferences, and participating in relevant professional organizations.

They are also expected to continue contributing to the field through their own research and publications.

Licensure is not typically required for postsecondary teachers, including Philosophy Professors.

However, those who teach in public institutions may need to meet state licensing requirements.

 

Philosophy Professor Salary Expectations

A Philosophy Professor can expect to earn an average salary of $75,633 (USD) per year.

The salary range can vary significantly depending on the professor’s years of experience, the institution they work for, and their geographical location.

 

Philosophy Professor Job Description FAQs

What are the educational requirements for a Philosophy Professor?

The minimum requirement to become a Philosophy Professor is a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

However, prior to that, one must earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Philosophy or a related field.

Some Philosophy Professors also hold additional degrees or certifications in related disciplines.

 

What are the key responsibilities of a Philosophy Professor?

Philosophy Professors are responsible for delivering lectures, guiding classroom discussions, and grading assignments and exams.

They also contribute to their field by conducting research and publishing their findings in scholarly journals.

In addition, they often advise students and participate in departmental and college activities.

 

What skills are essential for a successful Philosophy Professor?

A Philosophy Professor should have excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex philosophical ideas to students.

They also need strong research skills and a deep understanding of various philosophical theories and concepts.

Critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and motivate students are also important skills for a Philosophy Professor.

 

What qualities make a good Philosophy Professor?

A good Philosophy Professor is passionate about their subject and has the ability to engage students in thoughtful discussions.

They are patient, understanding, and always ready to assist students in their academic journey.

Being open-minded and capable of viewing issues from multiple perspectives is also a valuable quality for a Philosophy Professor.

 

How competitive is the job market for Philosophy Professors?

The job market for Philosophy Professors can be highly competitive.

Positions at prestigious institutions or locations with high living standards tend to attract a large number of applicants.

However, the demand for Philosophy Professors can vary by geographical location and the specific philosophical specialties in demand.

 

Is a Philosophy Professor required to publish?

Most academic institutions encourage or even require their Philosophy Professors to conduct original research and publish their findings in scholarly journals.

This not only contributes to the field of philosophy, but also enhances the reputation of the institution and the individual professor.

It can also be a significant factor in promotion and tenure decisions.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unlocked the mystery of what it truly means to be a philosophy professor.

Guess what?

It’s not just about reading and discussing ancient texts.

It’s about guiding the minds of the future, one philosophical theory at a time.

With our handy philosophy professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to take the next step.

But why halt your journey here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to crafting detailed job descriptions or refining your resume to immaculate precision.

Remember:

Every philosophical theory contributes to a larger understanding.

Let’s enlighten the future. Together.