Assistant Professor of Philosophy; AI

Position: Assistant Professor of Philosophy (AI)
Posting Details

Title
Assistant Professor of Philosophy (AI)

Posting Number
F00284JP

Department
Philosophy

Position Summary
Bowdoin College's Department of Philosophy invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty appointment in the philosophy of artificial intelligence (AI) at the Assistant Professor level, beginning July 1, 2026. The position subfield is open, with a preference for candidates whose research involves AI related issues in applied ethics or who consider AI from the angle of the philosophy of cognitive science and the mind.

A PhD in Philosophy is expected by the date of appointment. The teaching load is two courses per semester. Bowdoin is particularly interested in candidates dedicated to undergraduate teaching and with a promise of long-term successful research and/or creative work. Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix and a Bowdoin College alumnus, has committed $50 million to launch the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity-the largest gift in the college's history.

This transformative initiative will integrate the study of artificial intelligence with Bowdoin's liberal arts mission, focusing on its societal, ethical, and humanistic dimensions. The gift will fund new faculty positions across disciplines, support faculty in AI-related teaching and research, and create programming that fosters dialogue around AI's role in shaping the future. This position is one of three being offered in the first year.

Bowdoin College offers opportunities for professional development, a fully funded, year-long pre-tenure sabbatical leave (after three years of teaching and successful reappointment), and regular, generously funded, post-tenure sabbaticals. Support for teaching, grant-writing, artificial intelligence initiatives, computing software, and community partnerships in courses is available. The College also offers robust programming and resources for establishing and enhancing mentoring networks. At Bowdoin, we are committed to inclusive excellence, an ongoing collective practice that honors our institutional commitment to provide an outstanding liberal arts education and serve the common good.

The College is home to talented students, faculty and staff and we encourage applications from candidates committed to the inclusive instruction and support of a diverse student population, and those who will enrich and contribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. Accessibility during the application and interview stages, as well as once employed, is a priority of the College: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). In addition, visa sponsor ships for faculty hires are available.

Bowdoin College accepts only electronic submissions. Please visit  submit:
1) a cover letter;
2) a curriculum vitae;
3) a description of your research plans;
4) a statement that describes your teaching philosophy and practice, including how you create learning environments that prepare students to interact constructively with different people, spaces, situations, and ideas; and
5) the names and contact information for three references who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff;

intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine. Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston. Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity…