Instructor Pool - 2026/2027: Sociology

OSU Oregon State University; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

OSU-Cascades in Bend, Oregon invites applications for one or more fixed-term, non-tenure-track Instructor positions to teach on a term-by-term basis for the 2026-2027 academic year. These appointments may be renewed or transitioned to an instructional role at the Dean of Academic Affairs’ discretion.

The Sociology program focuses on undergraduate education, fostering critical thinking and preparing students across standard sociology courses.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in sociology or related field is required.
• PhD or terminal degree in sociology or political science preferred.
• Experience teaching at college/university level with commitment to undergraduate education and equity.
• Ability to design, teach and assess courses supporting inclusive learning principles.

Responsibilities

• Teach course(s) in Sociology term-by-term.
• Complete course assessment processes and improve teaching effectiveness.
• Participate in advising and mentoring students.
• Maintain office hours and handle basic administrative tasks.

Skills

Teaching

Student advising

Equity & inclusion

Curriculum design

Education

Master’s degree in Sociology

PhD or terminal degree in Sociology/Political Science

Job description

Job Summary

The Sociology Program at OSU-Cascades in Bend, Oregon, invites applications for one or more fixed-term, non-tenure-track full/part-time Instructor positions to teach on a term-by-term basis for the 2026-2027 academic year. Some of these appointments may be reviewed for renewal or transition to an instructional position on an annual basis at the discretion of the Dean of Academic Affairs. Applications will be considered throughout the academic year, as opportunities become available. This position is located in Bend, Oregon. The primary mission of the Sociology Program at OSU-Cascades is to provide undergraduate level education and the curriculum encompasses most standard fields of the discipline. This position is designed to foster critical thinking, advance student’s knowledge and skills through the teaching of various discipline/courses. The incumbent(s) are expected to provide an intellectual foundation for students concerning the discipline. The courses serve students in degree programs. If hired into a term appointment, the anticipated start date(s) are December 16 or March 16.

Key Responsibilities

• Teaching Administer and teach course(s) term-by-term in Sociology.
• Complete course assessment processes and continuously improve teaching effectiveness.
• Participate in advising and mentoring students
• Advise students, be available for office hours, complete record-keeping and minor administrative tasks.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in one of the fields listed (or a related field) is a requirement: Sociology

• Preferred Qualifications: PhD or terminal degree in one of the fields listed (or a related field) Sociology, Political Science
• Teaching experience at the college or university level, a strong commitment to undergraduate education and equity, service to students.
• Demonstrated ability to design, teach and assess courses that support inclusive learning principles and promote equitable teaching practices, to the benefit of all learners.

Working Conditions/Schedule

Work schedule may vary depending upon student needs and engagement in campus and/or program activities.

Salary Range

Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

Appointment Dates

Anticipated Start Date: 2026-12-16

Anticipated End Date: 2027-06-15

Background Check

If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [e-mail].

Contact Information

For additional information please contact: Nick Dahl [e-mail]

Benefits

• Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life.
• OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical care insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Locations

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statements

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring.

Accommodation Policy

At Oregon State University, no qualified person shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of, any program or activity operated by the University. If requested, OSU will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing and selection process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on your application to receive an accommodation. Please request any reasonable accommodations for disability as early as possible in the application and search process. Requests may be directed to the hiring unit, or to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [phone]. See Request an Accommodation Procedures for the OSU policy.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Oregon State University, in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including Title IX and its regulations, does not unlawfully discriminate and prohibits discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including in academic admissions and employment. The university prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin (including ancestry and ethnicity), citizenship, marital or family status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status / service in the uniformed service, or any other status protected by law or OSU policy. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to OSU’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (link to https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr), or both. OSU’s Title IX Coordinator is the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA). For information on OSU’s nondiscrimination policy and procedures, including how to report information that may constitute discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, contact EOA by phone: [phone], email: [e-mail], mail/location: 330 Snell Hall, Corvallis OR 97331, or visit EOA’s website: eoa.oregonstate.edu.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights Oregon Family Leave Act: Department of Labor Family and Medical Leave Act: