Employment Opportunities at USD

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

The College of Arts & Sciences at the University of San Diego seeks to hire three faculty members for its teaching postdoctoral program. We are committed to the development of teacher-scholars who empower students from U.S. communities not well represented in academia, and who are interested in teaching at a comprehensive university with a firm commitment to liberal arts as the foundation to a meaningful life. As a contemporary Catholic institution, the University of San Diego strives to give students and scholars an opportunity to explore all dimensions of the human experience.

Given our location on the border between the United States and Mexico, the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego invites applicants for teaching postdoctoral faculty interested in the scholarly exploration of the social, political, cultural, physical and environmental impact of artificial or natural borders. Recognizing that borders can shape both natural and social environments, we seek applicants with expertise and interest in the ways in which borders, border regions, and community boundaries reflect contemporary conflict or opportunities for transformation. We also welcome candidates interested in interdisciplinary collaboration on and off campus with the broader scientific and research community. Candidates interested in teaching and scholarship focused on such topics as immigration, border justice, refugee experiences, or ecosystems in border areas in national and
international contexts are encouraged to apply.

The two-year postdoctoral faculty appointment will begin in Fall 2026. The following departments/programs have requested to host a postdoctoral faculty member:

● Anthropology
● Ethnic Studies
● Political Science and International Relations
● Art, Architecture, & Art History
● Environmental and Ocean Sciences
● Sociology

The purpose of the Teaching Pathway Postdoctoral Faculty Program is to mentor faculty in teaching excellence in the context of a primarily undergraduate institution within Catholic Higher Education and to cultivate inclusive communities within departments at the University. USD is poised to serve as a resource for faculty who are interested in pursuing an academic career that follows a teacher/scholar model. Read more about the program. The Teaching Pathway Postdoctoral Faculty position is for two years. Postdoctoral faculty teach courses in their area of expertise, continue their research trajectory, work closely with faculty mentors in their department, and participate in the College of Arts & Sciences’ faculty development programs.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Minimum Qualifications:  Candidates must have completed the PhD or other terminal degree before the starting date of September 2026. Candidates who have not yet held a tenure-track faculty position will have priority.

Preferred Qualifications: Candidates who have not yet held a tenure-track faculty position will have priority. 

BB Positions

$5,858.67-6,053.65/per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application.

For full consideration, materials must be received by February 1, 2026.  

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy, including a statement about your experience with inclusive pedagogical practices or academic excellence
• Statement of research/creative activity including goals for the next two years and a sample of scholarly or creative work
• Sample syllabus for a course in your area of expertise and a summary of teaching evaluations (if available)
• Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters

Contact: usdpostdoc@sandiego.edu  

If you have any technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.