Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development

Overview

The College of Indigenous Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks invites applications for a tripartite faculty position focused on teaching, research, and service in support of Alaska’s rural and Indigenous communities. This position plays a critical role in delivering distance education, mentoring students, and advancing community-engaged rural development across the state.

This position offers the opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in Rural Development while working closely with Alaska Native and rural communities. Faculty in this role contribute to applied, place‑based teaching, supervise student research, and engage in meaningful partnerships with Tribal, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. The position emphasizes distance education, cross‑cultural engagement, and scholarship that supports sustainable and culturally grounded rural development in Alaska.

Successful candidates will bring experience working respectfully and collaboratively in rural and Indigenous contexts, along with the ability to teach and advise students from diverse backgrounds. A commitment to community‑engaged learning, strong communication skills, and experience with online and distance education are essential. Candidates should be prepared to contribute to program sustainability through teaching, advising, service, and partnerships aligned with rural development priorities.

Applicants should have experience sufficient to meet minimum qualifications, including teaching, research, or applied work related to rural, Alaska Native, or Indigenous community development. Relevant experience may include community‑engaged scholarship, applied research, program development, policy analysis, or professional practice in areas such as rural development, Indigenous governance, community well‑being, land and resource issues, or related social science and humanities fields. Experience working with distance education and mentoring student research is expected.

Ph. D preferred. Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree and demonstrate expertise in teaching distance education courses and guiding student research in fields related to Rural Development and Alaska Native/Indigenous studies. Relevant areas of expertise may include Indigenous knowledge systems, rural community development, Indigenous history, cultural studies, Federal Indian law and policy, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, community well‑being, or comparative studies in Arctic and Circumpolar regions.

This position is located on the University of Alaska campus in Fairbanks, and flexible on-site/hybrid work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. This is a 9‑month (full‑time), tenure‑track faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

Salary is based on education and experience.

Application review will begin on July 6, 2026. To ensure consideration, please submit your application by 11:55 PM Alaska Standard Time on July 5, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Bryan Hoppough, CIS HR Coordinator, at behoppough or 907‑474‑6569.

This position is represented by United Academics‑AAUP/AFT (UNAC). (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The University of Alaska (UA) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non‑discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.