Washington and Lee University: Economics
Location
Lexington, VA
Open Date
Aug 31, 2026
Description
The Department of Economics in the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics at Washington and Lee University invites applications from candidates with teaching and research interests in macroeconomics for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor of Economics. The appointment will begin July 1, 2027.
The successful candidate will teach the department’s required macroeconomics courses (Principles of Macroeconomics and Macroeconomic Theory) and develop electives that build on existing departmental strengths while expanding opportunities for students.
Washington and Lee University is a highly selective, private, liberal arts college, located in Lexington, VA (population 7,000). W&L’s Economics department offers an undergraduate major in Economics and supports interdisciplinary minors in Africana Studies; Data Science; Education Studies; Environmental Studies; Law, Justice & Society; Middle East & South Asian Studies; Poverty & Human Capability; and Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies.
This position requires a strong commitment to excellence in teaching within an undergraduate liberal arts setting. Candidates should demonstrate the capacity to publish high-quality scholarly research. The university supports faculty research through a generous five-year sabbatical cycle, a pre-tenure research leave program, opportunities for summer salary support, travel stipends, and paid undergraduate research assistants. The department also hosts a seminar series that meets regularly throughout the academic year and features internal and external speakers.
The school calendar consists of two 13-week terms, one in the fall and one in the winter, along with our unique 4-week spring term. The regular teaching load is five courses per year. New hires teach a 2-2-0 load in their first year to provide an opportunity to fully participate in W&L’s New Faculty Cohort, a comprehensive, year-long faculty development program.
Washington and Lee University promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in teaching and for rigorous scholarship. We welcome applications from candidates who would contribute to the University’s mission and strategic plan.
The expected salary for this position is between $112,000- $118,000. Offers are based on factors such as relevant education, experience, tenure status, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.
Washington and Lee University offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families, as well as substantial support for faculty development through research funding, a strong culture of mentorship, and a pre-tenure leave program. To learn more about working at W&L, employee benefits, and life in the Shenandoah Valley, visit jobs.wlu.edu.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Economics is required by the time of appointment.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin November 13, 2026. Candidates should submit the following materials through the Interfolio portal at https://apply.interfolio.com/192513:
- Letter of Application summarizing your teaching interests and experience, your interest in a liberal arts environment, your scholarly contributions or plans, and your ability to work with students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences
- CV
- Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness including a teaching statement, representative syllabi (if applicable), list of courses taught, and course evaluations (please note: “Selected comments” are not considered a substitute for full course evaluations)
- Three confidential letters of recommendation
- Job Market Paper
If you have questions about the position, please contact Katie Shester, chair of the search committee, at shesterk@wlu.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
