Adjunct Instructor 2026-2027

Portland State University; Portland, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 1,200 - 1,700; Part time

Job summary

Portland State University invites applications for adjunct instructors in the Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning. The position supports undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through teaching Visual Communications for Planning (USP 573) in Winter 2027, with potential for other courses as updated by the department.

Minimum qualifications include a graduate degree and three years of professional experience, or an active Ph.D. candidate in Urban Studies.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (Master's or equivalent) and three years of professional experience, or current Ph.D. candidate in Urban Studies.
• Experience promoting equity, inclusion, and respectful collaboration within diverse settings.

Responsibilities

• Teach Visual Communications for Planning (USP 573) in Winter 2027.

Education

Graduate degree in Urban Studies or related field

Ph.D. candidate in Urban Studies

Job description

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

We are seeking adjunct instructors for the 2026-2027 academic year who are qualified to teach the following courses:

• Visual Communications for Planning ( USP 573) Winter 2027

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to [e-mail] . The list of available courses may be updated over the coming months.

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

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations 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.

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

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 be present in Portland for campus-based instruction.

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?

No

Background Check Required

Yes

Posting Close Date

Projected Close Date for Posting

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

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

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled