Development Economics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description
The Social and Behavioral Sciences Concentration at Soka University of America (SUA) is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Economics beginning August 1, 2027. We invite applicants with expertise in economics, including labor economics and/or development economics (and related fields), with a strong preference for someone who does both labor and development.
The successful candidate must demonstrate their ability to excite and engage students in class settings that foster meaningful intellectual engagement. This requires a demonstration of pedagogical flexibility and creativity, employing a range of teaching strategies to meet students where they are and support their growth. Experience in teaching and mentoring a diverse student body, along with a commitment to inclusive pedagogy, is essential.
Further, we seek candidates who are actively engaged in their own research agendas and who demonstrate a strong commitment to mentoring undergraduate students in developing their research skills in economics. We particularly welcome candidates whose research engages with issues in developing country contexts.
Responsibilities
The new Assistant Professor will teach courses in economics such as Principles of Economics, Labor Economics, Economic Development, Regression Analysis, and/or Statistics. In addition, they will also teach in our interdisciplinary General Education (GE) program, for example, Core 1, Core 2, Modes of Inquiry, Introduction to the Pacific Basin, American Experience, and/or Learning Cluster (see our Undergraduate Catalog). The teaching load at SUA is five courses per year, typically three economics courses and two GE courses.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum and the absence of traditional departmental boundaries, students often enter upper-division economics courses with varied academic preparation. Successful candidates must be willing and able to teach in seminar-style environments to students from multiple disciplinary, ideological, and national perspectives. Our classes at SUA emphasize discussion, critical thinking, and engagement with contemporary issues through both modern and classical readings.
The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong background in teaching and scholarship and provide evidence of ongoing research activity. The successful candidate should describe a plan to maintain an active research program involving undergraduates. SUA provides resources to support faculty research year-round through institutional research funds and with undergraduate student research assistantships. All SUA graduates complete a Capstone (senior thesis), and successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to mentor student Capstones.
Candidates should demonstrate both a record of and a commitment to meaningful service to their profession and to the university community.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Economics. Applicants who have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. except the dissertation will also be considered.
Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially regarding socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the university's mission to develop global citizens. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is an understanding of our interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum.
Soka University of America:
Soka University of America (SUA), located in Aliso Viejo, California, is a private, non-sectarian liberal arts college founded on the values of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life. It offers a unique and global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts degree with five Concentrations, and has a commitment to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding. SUA's small and multinational student body, approximately 450 undergraduates, ensures personalized attention and a close-knit academic community. The university's curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts tradition and incorporates a strong international perspective, requiring students to study abroad for a semester. Faculty members at SUA have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary teaching and research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to faculty development and academic freedom. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture, serene environment, and a culture that values dialogue, diversity, and the holistic development of its students.
Soka University is committed to a dynamic teaching pedagogy that prioritizes active learning through experiential projects, group discussions, and real-world applications. We place a strong emphasis on inclusive pedagogy, fostering a classroom environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel acknowledged, respected, and empowered. Our instructional approach aims to not only disseminate knowledge but also to cultivate critical thinkers and compassionate leaders.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit the following materials: (1) Letter of application addressing the required qualifications; (2) A curriculum vitae; (3) A teaching statement that describes their teaching experience in relevant courses, specifically a philosophy that should reflect how the candidate would address teaching needs in a liberal arts environment and address diverse viewpoints and student backgrounds (maximum two pages, single-spaced;) (4) Statement of research interests and plan, detailing how undergraduate students will be involved (maximum two pages, single-spaced;) and (5) Contact information for three references. Three letters of recommendation will be requested prior to the phone interview through the Interfolio platform.
SUA welcomes all candidates and encourages those from historically underserved communities.
Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.
Benefits and Salary (may vary according to the position advertised): SUA offers an excellent benefits package for full-time faculty that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, dependent tuition remission, and faculty home loans. The salary range for this position is $106,000 - $116,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Review of applications will begin Oct. 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please submit your application by January 4, 2027.
Please apply by submitting your application through Interfolio using this link: Apply for the Assistant Professor of Economics Position
Email: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu
Soka University of America is an equal-opportunity employer