The Natural Science Division of the Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Biology to begin August 1, 2027. Applicants will have completed a Ph.D. by August 1, 2027, in cell/molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, or a closely related discipline and will be able to teach and conduct research in those areas. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching, research, mentoring of undergraduates, as well as their service to the university, their profession, and our surrounding community. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach cell and molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology with an associated laboratory curriculum. Candidates should also demonstrate promise to establish an active scholarly program and desire to mentor undergraduate students in both teaching and research.
Pepperdine’s undergraduate Seaver College is a residential liberal arts college of approximately 3,500 students situated in Malibu, California. Seaver College places the total development of students at the heart of its educational strategy and seeks scholar-educators who demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching, a commitment to establishing a productive research program, and a desire to mentor undergraduate students in both teaching and research. Successful applicants must have an active commitment to the Christian mission of the University and reflect on their willingness to support the mission of Seaver College in their application materials.
Applicants should provide the following materials: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a response to the University’s Christian mission 4) transcripts of all graduate work (copies are acceptable during the application process; official transcripts will be required for selected applicants), and 5) names and contact information for three references (the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if the candidate proceeds with interviews). All materials should be submitted to: https://apply.interfolio.com/POSITION_NUMBER.
Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.
Review of applicants will begin on October 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Please address any inquiries regarding the position to the chair of the search committee:
Helen Holmlund (helen.holmlund@pepperdine.edu)
Natural Science Division
Seaver College, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
The salary for this appointment will range from $91,527-$97,701 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.
Applications should include the documents listed below:
A cover letter
A curriculum vitae, indicating educational record, employment record, achievements, awards, publications, and other relevant information. Please also describe any civic, religious, or charitable interests and activities, and list all current organizational memberships.
Three confidential letters of reference
A statement indicating how the candidate will support the Christian mission of the University The University mission states that Pepperdine University is a Christian University committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. In your statement, please comment on your willingness to support the Christian values of the University and the mission of Seaver College including your involvement in a local community of faith (i.e., congregation, parish church, etc.), and how your faith relates to your teaching, professional, and/or intellectual life.
Official transcripts of all graduate work (copies are acceptable during the application process; however, official transcripts will be required for selected applicants).
Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.
Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.
