Exploring Career Opportunities and Employee Experiences at Lehigh University

Lehigh University, a distinguished research institution nestled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers a wide array of career paths and a supportive environment for its faculty and staff. This article delves into the diverse opportunities available at Lehigh, highlighting the experiences of employees in various roles and the university's commitment to fostering a thriving community.

A Variety of Roles and Opportunities

Lehigh University provides a multitude of employment opportunities, ranging from faculty positions in its various colleges to administrative and support roles. The university's structure, comprising five colleges-Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Health-ensures a diverse range of academic and professional paths.

Faculty Positions in the College of Health

The College of Health (COH) at Lehigh University is actively seeking faculty members in several key areas. With a mission to understand, preserve, and improve the health and well-being of communities, the COH offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex health challenges.

Health Politics & Policy Teaching Faculty

The Department of Population Health within the COH is inviting applications for an open-rank Teaching Faculty position specializing in Health Politics and Health Policy. This role focuses on areas such as healthcare regulation, health services administration, and the political and social determinants of health. The position, a renewable, fixed-term, non-tenure-track, full-time role, anticipates a start date in July 2026.

Candidates should possess a doctorate or master's degree in a relevant field such as political science, health services administration, or public policy. The hired individual will teach six courses per year at both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering topics from health politics and policy to healthcare operations management. Mentoring students, contributing to curriculum development, and participating in university service are also key expectations.

Read also: Lehigh Grads and Employment

Health Communication/Health Literacy Faculty

The Department of Community and Global Health is seeking candidates for an open-rank faculty position specializing in health communication and/or health literacy, starting July 1, 2026. Applicants should hold a doctorate in health communication, health literacy, or a related field. This role involves teaching courses in community and global health, as well as specialized courses in health communication and literacy at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The position also includes mentoring students, engaging in scholarly activities, and participating in departmental and university service. The department encourages applications from individuals who employ quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches to conduct community-focused health equity research.

Assistant Professor in Implementation Science

The Departments of Community and Global Health and Population Health are jointly seeking an Assistant Professor in Implementation Science, a tenure-track position anticipated to start on July 1, 2026. Candidates must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as public health, public policy, or a related area with a focus on implementation science. The hired individual will be expected to teach courses in implementation science, engage in scholarly activities, and participate in departmental, college, and university service. The position seeks scholars who use mixed-methods and interdisciplinary approaches to examine the implementation and sustainment of evidence-based interventions in real-world healthcare or community settings.

Support and Administrative Roles

Beyond faculty positions, Lehigh University offers a wide array of support and administrative roles that are crucial to its operation. These roles provide opportunities for individuals with diverse skill sets and career aspirations.

Executive Secretary

Kim's journey at Lehigh exemplifies the potential for growth and change within the university. After 25 years in student affairs and advising, Kim transitioned to an administrative role, now serving as an executive secretary supporting the Office of Research. She says Lehigh was fully supportive of her desire to move from student advising to an administrative role.

Library and Technology Services

Jim leads the teams in Library and Technology Services that keep all of Lehigh’s communications, systems, and data infrastructure running. Whether you need a new phone, wireless access to the internet or server space for massive amounts of information, Jim’s team keeps your world humming. When Jim left the software industry for Lehigh, he never looked back. “In the corporate world I came from, it was hard to see the impact of what I was doing,” he said. “Here, you just have to walk outside and you get why you’re here. It’s the students. It’s so clear why you’re here, to support them. Running the Library and Technology Services Help Desk is a big job.

Athletics

Rich's work keeps him busy year-round promoting Lehigh's more than two dozen NCAA athletics teams.

Community Engagement

As a member of Lehigh's community service team, Rosa serves as a Community Schools Coordinator in Donegan Elementary School.

Employee Experiences and Perspectives

Lehigh University prides itself on fostering a supportive and engaging environment for its employees. The experiences of staff members highlight the university's commitment to professional development, community, and work-life balance.

Professional Growth and Development

Lehigh University encourages its employees to pursue professional growth and development opportunities. Christine's experience of earning her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership while working at Lehigh demonstrates the university's support for continuing education. Christine recently earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership using Lehigh's generous tuition benefits while working at the university. “There's not going to be a better time to start,” she said. For Christine, earning a graduate degree was a goal that couldn't take a backseat to her busy life as a Lehigh professional and mother of five young kids.

Community and Support

The sense of community at Lehigh is evident in the support employees offer one another. When Elias had to lie motionless in a hospital bed for weeks as he awaited a heart transplant, his co-workers visited him in Philadelphia to provide company and distractions. “It's an hour and 15 minutes away so they really had to make an effort to come see me and I appreciate that,” he said. “It was great to see people and feel normal.” “I got endless cards from people who couldn't make the trip.

Impact and Purpose

Many Lehigh employees find deep satisfaction in their work because they see the direct impact of their contributions on the university community, particularly the students. Jim, who transitioned from the corporate world to Lehigh, values the clear connection between his work and the success of the students. “In the corporate world I came from, it was hard to see the impact of what I was doing,” he said. “Here, you just have to walk outside and you get why you’re here. It’s the students. It’s so clear why you’re here, to support them.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

Lehigh University is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all members of its community. Christine's career at Lehigh has led her from coordinator in an academic department to her current leadership role in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.

Life in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, PA, a vibrant and historic city within the Lehigh Valley. The region offers a high quality of life with a balance of urban amenities and natural beauty. With a population of over 840,000, the Lehigh Valley is in close proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, providing access to a wide range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.

Applying to Lehigh University

Lehigh University welcomes applications from individuals who are passionate about contributing to its mission of education and research. The university seeks candidates who are committed to excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Application Materials

Applicants for faculty positions at Lehigh University are typically required to submit the following materials:

Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Research statement
Teaching statement
A statement on Contributions to Lehigh’s Principles of Our Equitable Community
Letters of recommendation (for certain positions) or names and contact information for references

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse academic community and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to this mission.

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