Love Ethic Faculty Fellowship - Notre Dame Institute for Ethics and the Common Good

University of Notre Dame; Notre-Dame; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Notre-Dame is seeking scholars for its Faculty Fellowship program to advance research on love-based ethical frameworks. The fellowship includes funding, a housing subsidy, and research allowances. Ideal candidates are faculty or independent researchers across disciplines who can commit to full-time engagement for the academic year.

Benefits

Research allowance of $1,000

Housing subsidy for those outside the area

Private office at the Institute

Qualifications

• Open to U.S. and international faculty from assistant to full professor.
• Independent scholars and practitioners may apply.

Responsibilities

• Be in residence from August through May for the academic year.
• Attend seminars and present research twice during the year.
• Engage with the scholarly community at the Institute.

Skills

Research project related to love-based ethical frameworks

Interdisciplinary scholarship

Public engagement

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

Overview

The Notre Dame Institute for Ethics and the Common Good (ECG) invites applications for its 2026–27 Faculty Fellowship program. Sponsored by a transformative grant from the John Templeton Foundation, we are seeking five scholars to join a vibrant, interdisciplinary cohort dedicated to advancing research on love-based ethical frameworks. For further explanation of this topic, including a list of potential research topics related to it, please see https://ethics.nd.edu/fellowships-and-grants/faculty/.

In 2026–27, one Faculty Fellowship may be co-sponsored by the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. This fellowship will fund a project that connects with the topic above from a perspective in Asian studies.

The Love Ethic Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is a separate opportunity and is not described here.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Faculty Fellows receive half their base salary per academic year (up to $80,000), a housing subsidy (for those who currently reside outside the South Bend area), a research allowance of $1,000, and a private office at ECG. Fellows' home institutions provide the remainder of their salaries as well as all benefits, including health insurance. The program is open to U.S. and international faculty at any career stage, from assistant to full professor. The fellowship is also open to independent scholars, journalists, artists, and others whose work aligns meaningfully with the fellowship theme.

Note: Postdoctoral candidates working on love-based ethical frameworks should apply through a separate application page. The Love Ethic Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is similar to the program described below but includes a few key differences.

Qualifications: Faculty Fellowships are open to scholars who are conducting a substantial research project related to love-based ethical frameworks. Applicants from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, including—but not limited to—philosophy, theology, psychology, sociology, political science, law, literature, and the arts. While most Faculty Fellows hold academic appointments at colleges or universities, the fellowship is also open to independent scholars, journalists, artists, and others whose work aligns meaningfully with the fellowship theme.

Note: Postdoctoral scholars and advanced graduate students working on love-based ethics should apply through a separate application page. Scholars seeking a faculty fellowship who are working on faith-based ethical approaches to powerful AI should apply here.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Fellows are expected to be in residence for the full academic year (August through May). Semester-long fellowships are generally not available. All Faculty Fellows are expected to reside in the South Bend area and to remain in residence at the University of Notre Dame during the period of their fellowship (except for vacation periods, holidays, and University breaks). Fellows are expected to be free of their regular commitments and to have their primary office at the Institute so they may devote themselves full time to the work outlined in their research proposal and participate fully in the community of scholars at the Institute. Fellows are also expected to attend weekly seminars, present their research twice during these seminars, and attend ECG retreats, communications workshops, and other special events.

Application instructions and evaluation criteria are described below.

Application Instructions

Applications for Faculty Fellowships must be submitted through Interfolio and should include the following:

• Completed online application form
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (no more than four pages, single-spaced)
• Proposal abstract (no more than 400 words)
• Fellowship research proposal (no more than six pages double-spaced; may include a works-cited or bibliography page, which does not count toward the six-page limit). The research proposal should explain the project to be pursued at ECG and address:
• How the proposed research aligns with the research theme and mission of the Institute
• Preliminary objectives for the research (e.g., whether it might result in a book, journal article, artwork, etc.)
• The proposed work plan (including what research or work has already been accomplished, what will be done during the fellowship period, the methodology to be employed, and the organization of the scholarly project, book, or other work)
• Public-engagement proposal (no more than two pages, double-spaced) describing how the public audience will be engaged (e.g., through a newspaper op-ed, public discussion, podcast episode, etc.)
• Two letters of reference addressing the strength of the proposed research project, fit with the 2026–2027 theme, and collaborative potential and collegiality. (See FAQ page for common questions about letters of reference.)
• (Optional) Up to two pages of non-text materials supporting the research proposal

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of their potential for research impact, fit with the theme, and fit with the Institute’s mission.

Finalists will be asked to be available for a brief Zoom conversation with committee members during the final stage of the selection process.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Background checks

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

Background Check: This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.