Assistant Professor of Finance

Position begins August 1, 2027. Review of applicants will begin on October 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Levon Goukasian, PhD, Singleton Chair in Finance (levon.goukasian@pepperdine.edu).

About the role

The Business Administration Division of Seaver College at Pepperdine University seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Finance. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in Corporate Finance, Investments, and Personal Finance. Prior teaching experience is preferred but not required.

The business program is AACSB-accredited and enrolls approximately 975 undergraduate students across majors in accounting, business administration, finance, and international business. Classes are small (typically under 30 students) and the faculty is collegial and collaborative. All programs are residential and based at the Malibu, California campus.

Seaver College is a residential liberal-arts college of about 3,500 students within Pepperdine University, ranked among the top national institutions by U.S. News & World Report and holding a Research 2 designation.

Requirements

• Earned Ph.D. in Financial Economics or a related field, completed before the start date.
• Active commitment to Pepperdine’s Christian mission and willingness to reflect on and support the mission of Seaver College in application materials.
• Respect for workplace differences and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of criminal, education, and employment screenings.

Application materials

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Response to the University’s Christian mission (see below).
• Transcripts of all graduate work (unofficial copies acceptable during application; official transcripts required for selected applicants).
• Names and contact information for three references who will provide confidential letters of recommendation.
• If applicable: evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness (e.g., teaching evaluations).
• Scholarly/creative agenda (2–3 pages) outlining short- and long-term research objectives, including reflection on published or presented work.

Mission response

Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Pepperdine reserves the right to recruit and hire individuals who support its Christian mission.

Candidates should address the following in their response:

• A consistent pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and Pepperdine’s mission.
• Active participation in a community of faith.
• Current practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom.

Pay

Salary range: $145,000 – $185,000, based on qualifications, experience, and market conditions.

Benefits

Pepperdine University offers a robust suite of employee benefits.