The Social Science Division of Seaver College at Pepperdine University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Sociology beginning August 1, 2027. We seek an outstanding teacher-scholar whose research and teaching will strengthen our undergraduate sociology program. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: criminology, social inequality, sociology of the family, and gender, although applicants from all areas of sociology will receive full consideration. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, maintain an active research agenda, and engage meaningfully with Pepperdine University’s Christian mission.
Pepperdine’s undergraduate Seaver College is a residential liberal arts college of approximately 3,500 students situated in Malibu, California. 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).
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:
Rebecca Kim (rebecca.y.kim@pepperdine.edu)
Social Science Division
Seaver College, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
Applications should include the below documents:
Personal Statement. Reflect on Pepperdine’s Christian mission and address your pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and the University’s mission, your active participation in a faith community, and your practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom.
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.
