Achieving an academic job in philosophy is difficult. It’s competitive, and uncertain. For some 2023 data on the employability of PhDs, for example, see here.
You should expect to apply for many jobs and to have temporary jobs prior to a permanent one.
This tip sheet offers a quick overview for approaching the philosophy job market including the types of jobs available, where they are advertised, the applications process, and tips for each stage. BPA and SWIP-UK have jointly developed A Guide for Philosophers in Non-Permanent Employment in the UK, which provides more detail and advice on similar and overlapping topics.
The four main types of academic jobs in Philosophy:
- Permanent academic jobs
Permanent academic jobs (“lectureships” or “assistant professorships”) are typically expected to involve research, teaching, and administration. In the UK, these typically have further optional investments of time for public engagement and impact. Permanent jobs often come with probationary periods, e.g. an early career programme which must be completed in the UK or the tenure process which must be completed in the US.
- Postdoctoral fellowships
Postdoctoral fellowships are typically one to three years focused on research, involving reduced or no teaching or administration. These may be individual postdocs with open-ended research focus or project postdocs which are typically expected to deliver some project-related research and administrative support, e.g. conference organisation.
- Temporary lectureships
Temporary lectureships are typically nine months to five years with expectations theoretically mirroring those of a permanent academic job. In practice, temporary lectureships often focus on supplying teaching for an absent permanent staff member and involve reduced or no research time.
- Hourly-paid positions
Temporary hourly-paid contracts may focus on teaching, administration, or project research, though these are typically teaching positions.
The application process:
While this may vary depending on the type of academic job, the process will typically involve:
- A job advertisement specifying the position, its requirements, and how to apply.
- An applicant submitting requested information and documentation typically by sending to an email address or through an online application system.
- A committee from the institution who winnows the pool of applicants to a “long list” of around 15 candidates and then to a “short list” of around five candidates.
- Presentation and interviews of the “short-listed” candidates.
- Job offer to the selected candidate(s).
- Negotiation of the terms of employment and acceptance.
Note that timescales from step to step will vary. This especially includes from step 4 to 5. In the US, there’s often a gap of a few months, while in the UK it can be a few hours.
Advertisements have a listed contact, often an administrator. Avoid multiple or overlong messages, but do ask for needed clarifications on timescales, criteria, or requested documentation.
How to find academic jobs in Philosophy:
Search regularly for jobs: UK jobs; Phil Jobs; Jobs in Philosophy
Sign up for philosophy announcements, including jobs: Philos-L; PHILOSOP
Deciding where to apply:
- Apply as widely as you can, consistent with your goals and resources.
- Consider how you can sell yourself as satisfying the widest possible range of criteria. Is there a strand of your experience, research, and plans that allows you to present yourself as needed?
- What is the personal and intellectual community in the philosophy department and academy? What can you learn and gain? What can you bring and offer?
- Are you willing to live in this place? If it’s temporary: is it worth moving for this period of time?
- For temporary posts, carefully consider its requirements and whether you are likely to leave the with better job prospects. What will you gain during this time? What will you sacrifice?
- Remember that you can refuse interview and job offers, and that having an interview or an offer at one place may put you in a better position to secure an interview or offer at another.
Requested documents:
Job advertisements will specify the required information and documentation requested. Be sure to send all and only what is requested.
While requested documents vary by institution and type of academic job, this commonly includes:
- Cover letter: introducing yourself and making the case that you are a good fit for the post
- CV: presenting your relevant experience and references
- References: contact information or actual letters (as requested) from respected philosophers who know you well and have agreed to speak to your fit for the advertised post
- Research Proposal: specifying a plan of proposed research
- Writing sample(s) and thesis abstract: exemplifying your best work to date
- Teaching portfolio, e.g. a teaching statements, sample syllabi, or student testimonials: exemplifying your effectiveness in teaching
It is wise to prepare generic versions of commonly requested documents in advance which you can tailor for each application.
Your total set of application materials should show that you are a good fit for the advertised position: aim to show both that you are a good fit for them and that they are a good fit for you.[3]
Presentations:
If short-listed, you’ll often be invited to give a research presentation, teaching presentation, or both.
Typically you’ll present to (at least some of) the philosophy faculty with a few invited others.
For research presentations: Aim to offer a snapshot of your research and research aims that allows you to fully present a single stand-alone argument, ideally for a positive and constructive thesis, which highlights the range of your potential research and its relevance to other contemporary research and issues.
For teaching presentations: Aim to offer a stand-alone presentation that highlights your skills in introducing, clarifying, and evaluating a key philosophical text, idea, or argument.
In both cases:
- Stick to the brief and to your allotted time.
- Dress and speak professionally and appropriately.
- Be sure you understand and respond to questions—repeat them back if necessary.
- Be equally courteous and respectful to everyone in attendance.
Interviews:
If short-listed, you’ll likely be interviewed by philosophers, administrators, and at least one member of another department in the relevant academic institution.
Questions will vary, but typical questions include those focused on: why you want the job; your plans for research, grant capture, and impact or public engagement (UK only); previous experience and innovation with teaching; experience or interest with interdisciplinary work; and your general strengths and weaknesses as an academic.
It is wise to prepare generic versions of answers to these commonly asked questions which you can tailor during each interview.
Two final questions will often be asked of you:
- Do you have any questions for us?
You should have a prepared question for each interview. Ideally, one which highlights a potentially positive aspect of your fit for the post. For example: I want to do X amazing thing. Could I do it here? Or: I heard that you do X amazing thing here. Can I get involved?
Remember that you can ask problematic or difficult questions later during negotiation, after you have been offered a post.
- If you were offered the job, would you take it?
Barring exceptional circumstances, you should always say yes. This is non-binding and you can always change your mind later during negotiation.
Negotiation:
You are in your most powerful position when you are offered a job, but before you accept it. Some negotiation is normal and expected, and job offers are rarely rescinded.
Before accepting, you might consider how and whether you should negotiate: salary; starting date; title; visa sponsorship or related right to work issues; moving costs/housing allowance or assistance; summer funding; junior faculty teaching-relief for research; conference or travel funding; work space; and equipment.
In general:
- Consider what you need to be enthusiastic and successful in accepting the post. As far as is possible, express your requests in these terms.
- Be clear in your own mind about what you require to accept the post, but do not limit your request to these deal-breakers.
- Be mindful of the resources and realities of the particular institution.
- Always be respectful and courteous.
Further general tips for hitting the philosophy job market:
- Get advice and be in regular contact with supervisors and mentors throughout the process
- Find a community of others on the market for support
- Give mock presentations and interviews to supportive peers
- Have a website, with generic versions of commonly requested documents
- Keep any social media professional, especially while actively applying for jobs
- If shortlisted but unsuccessful, ask for any feedback and learn from it
- Be kind to yourself and support your mental health. Being on the job market is hard.
