Clinical Assistant Teaching Professor of Civic Thought

Job Summary

Assistant Teaching Professor of Civic Thought in the Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts Program in the College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University is seeking to fill multiple Assistant Teaching Professor (clinical) positions to teach courses in its Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program at Purdue West Lafayette, with a focus on civic thought.

The Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program is recognized by the National Endowment for the Humanities as a national model for liberal education ( (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ). Cornerstone offers an enriched first‑year sequence anchored in transformative texts. It is designed to provide all students with the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the world and themselves while strengthening the skills to read closely, write clearly, speak with confidence, and engage with different viewpoints and perspectives through general education courses.

These positions will primarily teach SCLA 21000 Introduction to Civic Thought
, a course that encourages close reading of original texts and fosters critical thinking, informed citizenship, principled leadership, and open dialogue rooted in foundational concepts of a free society, our constitutional republic, and the institutional structures that protect them. Faculty may also teach courses in the Cornerstone core curriculum and Cornerstone Certificate in areas related to civic thought, including American political development, law and constitutional principles, democracy and democratic institutions, foundations of free markets, political history, and political philosophy.

Faculty in these positions will work collaboratively to advance the mission of the new Cornerstone Institute for Civic Thought, launching in spring 2026.

The normal full‑time workload is a 4‑4 teaching equivalent. Summer teaching is an additional possibility. The positions begin on campus in West Lafayette in August 2026.

Clinical contracts are non‑tenure track positions focused on teaching, mentoring, and engagement that are renewed every three years and can be renewed indefinitely. Purdue provides a promotion pathway from Clinical Assistant to Clinical Associate to Clinical Full Professor. The Cornerstone Director reviews the performance of successful candidates each year. As members of the clinical faculty of Purdue University, appointments are subject to all Purdue University policies.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in History, Philosophy, Political Science, Law, or a JD or other closely related field in hand by August 2026. The position requires teaching experience in written and oral communication and evidence of preparation to teach core concepts in American civics and civic thought. Applicants must demonstrate experience teaching a variety of approaches to a diverse student population.

To apply:

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Applications must include:
1) Cover letter describing the applicant’s preparation and fit for the position,
2) Curriculum Vitae, and
3) a teaching portfolio. If contacted by the committee, candidates must submit at least two letters of reference.

If requested, letters of reference must be sent to the Cornerstone Associate Director of Operations, Dr. Stephanie Ayala‑Chittick, at smatosay.

The review of applications will begin on January 21, 2026. A background check is required for employment in this position. Questions should be addressed to the Director, Dr. Melinda Zook, at mzook.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.