Adjunct Instructor 2026-2027

Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University’s Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning invites applications for adjunct instructor opportunities in AY 2026-27. As of 9/1/2026, all available adjunct opportunities in USP for AY 2026-27 have been filled.

Applications submitted later may be reviewed if new opportunities arise. Questions: [e-mail]. Positions involve in-person or campus-based instruction on the Portland, Oregon campus, with background check required for instructors who have not taught

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in the subject (Masters or equivalent) and three years professional experience, or current Ph.D. candidate in Urban Studies.
• Doctorate degree preferred.

Education

Masters or equivalent and three years professional experience

Ph.D. candidate in Urban Studies

Job description

Position Announcement

Proposed Start Date 12/16/2026 Working Title Adjunct Instructor 2026-2027 Department 310400 - USP Urban Studies & Planning Position Number D97709 Representation AP - AFT, Local 3571

Position Details

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

The Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning offers programs for future-focused, problem-solving undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students who want to begin or extend their careers in community service.

The Toulan School’s location in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon affords students the unique opportunity to learn from, influence, analyze and share the urban innovations for which Portland and the Pacific Northwest are known. Undergraduate and graduate students engage directly with Portland‑area non‑profit organizations, business and governmental agencies and private sector firms, gaining practical experience and real‑world understanding of the complexity and challenges of creating socially just and sustainable metropolitan regions.

The school offers a doctorate in urban studies, and undergraduate degree in community, urban studies, and planning, and two masters degrees: a Masters in urban studies, and a Masters in urban and regional planning. We also participate in university-wide certificate programs in energy, food systems, transportation, urban design, real estate development, and applied demography: https://www.pdx.edu/urban-studies-planning/

Position Summary

As of 9/1/2026, all available adjunct opportunities in USP for AY 2026-27 have been filled. Applications received after this date will not be reviewed unless new opportunities become available. Occasionally our needs shift prior to or during the academic year; we will update this posting if new opportunities become available. If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to [e-mail].

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate degree in the subject (Masters or equivalent) and three years professional experience, or current Ph.D. candidate in Urban Studies.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctorate degree.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
• Adheres to all PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Required Professional Standards of Conduct

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at www.pdx.edu/hr/professional-standards-conduct.

Compensation

The starting rate is $1,445 per credit per PSUFA collective bargaining agreement.

Additional Information

A background check is required for adjunct faculty who have not taught in the department during a previous academic year. Candidates for courses planned for in-person or hybrid delivery will be expected to present in Portland for campus-based instruction.

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes

Search Details

Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Filled

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Statement of Teaching Interest
• Link to professional websites, news articles, etc
• Professional References