Honors College Adjunct Faculty in the Social Sciences

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 1,515,000 - 2,218,000; Part time

Job summary

A major university in Oregon seeks an Adjunct Faculty member in the Social Sciences starting Spring 2026. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in a Social Science field and demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching. Responsibilities include engaging students in challenging coursework that connects academic theory with real-world relevance. Candidates must reside in Oregon or Washington during the 2026-2027 academic year. Compensation is $1,360 per credit hour taught.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in a Social Science.
• Experience in teaching at the undergraduate level is necessary.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and diverse classroom environment.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in the Social Sciences for Spring 2026.
• Engage with students in an academically rigorous curriculum.
• Maintain a professional conduct in accordance with PSU standards.

Skills

Teaching scholarly research writing

Excellence in teaching large and small classes

Background check clearance

Education

Ph.D. in a Social Science field

Job description

Honors College Adjunct Faculty in the Social Sciences

Working Title Honors College Adjunct Faculty in the Social Sciences

Department

Department 222300 - HON University Honors Prgm

Position Number

Position Number D97737

Representation

Representation AP - AFT, Local 3571

Position Summary

University Honors College, the only urban-focused honors college in the country, is a small, dedicated community of highly motivated students and engaged professors located within the larger academic environment of Portland State University. Honors students explore an academically intense curriculum through the lens of the culturally rich, ever-evolving city of Portland.
Portland State’s 49-acre campus is located in the heart of one of America’s most vibrant centers of business, culture, business, and technology. We are recognized throughout the world for programs like Urban Planning, Social Work, and Environmental Studies that directly engage the community and aim our students toward the creation of a better, more sustainable world.

University Honors College at Portland State University invites applicants to apply for an adjunct teaching position in the Social Sciences for the Spring 2026 term.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in one of the Social Sciences
• Expertise in the teaching and support of scholarly research writing.
• Documented excellence in teaching large and small undergraduate classes in the candidate’s field of study.
• Successful completion of a background check.

All adjunct candidates are required to be living in either Oregon or Washington for the academic year 2026-2027.

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, 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.
• 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 https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.

Compensation

Compensation: $1,360 per credit hour taught

Application Instructions

Please upload the names, phone numbers and emails of three professional references.
References will only be contacted for finalists.
All adjunct candidates are required to be living in either Oregon or Washington for the academic year 2026-2027.

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

1. Do you currently hold a Ph.D. degree?
   1. Yes
   2. No
2. Please name the specific field/discipline in which you received your Ph.D.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. From what University did you (or will you) receive your Ph.D. degree?

   (Open Ended Question)

4. How did you first find out about this position?
   1. PSU website
   2. Indeed
   3. Chronicle of Higher Education
   4. Higher Ed Jobs
   5. HERCJobs
   6. Referral
   7. Professional Listserv- please specify in comment box in the next question
   8. Professional Journal- please specify in comment box in the next question
   9. Other- please specify in comment box in the next question

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled