Teaching Assistant Professor

Portland State University; Connecticut; On-site; USD 74,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University seeks a Teaching Assistant Professor to join its University Studies program. This position involves teaching interdisciplinary courses, focusing on general education and mentoring diverse student populations. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Humanities and a strong commitment to student-centered pedagogy.

Benefits

95% premium paid healthcare

Generous retirement package

Reduced tuition rates for employees and dependents

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in Humanities required.
• Demonstrated record of interdisciplinary scholarship.
• Commitment to student-centered holistic learning.

Responsibilities

• Teach First Year Inquiry and Sophomore Inquiry courses.
• Participate in assessment, professional activities, and community engagement.
• Mentor and advise students from diverse populations.

Skills

Interdisciplinary scholarship

Student-centered learning

Commitment to diversity

Education

Ph.D. or Terminal Degree in Humanities

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please provide the names, email addresses and phone numbers of three professional references. References will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for this job.

Position Announcement

Proposed Start Date

Proposed Start Date 09/16/2025

Rank

Rank CT - Teaching Assistant Professor

Working Title

Working Title Teaching Assistant Professor

Position Number

Position Number D91808

Representation

Representation AU - AAUP

Faculty Type

Faculty Type Fixed Term Instructional (up to 3 years)

Fixed Term End Date:

Fixed Term End Date: 06/15/2026

Position FTE

Position FTE 1.0

Term of Service

Term of Service 9 month

Position Summary

Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept

Portland State’s 49-acre downtown campus is located in the heart of one of America’s most vibrant centers of 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 towards the creation of a better, more sustainable world.

University Studies is the general education program for Portland State University. It is required of all undergraduates with the exception of students in the honors program and certain pre-professional health programs. University Studies collaborates widely across academic units at Portland State University, working with 40 academic departments and programs to deliver over 150 UNST -specific and almost 200 affiliated courses per term. As our mission statement explains, University Studies’ inclusive, interdisciplinary, and inquiry-based pedagogy:

• Provokes students to build self-efficacy through relational learning across difference.
• Encourages a community of educators to practice engaged teaching for transformative learning.
• Advances civic engagement, reflective practice, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

The program consists of five main components each with its own organizational structure: Senior Inquiry (which brings our First Year Inquiry into area high schools). First Year Inquiry, Sophomore Inquiry/Clusters, the Capstones, the Higher Education in Prison Program, and the Mentor Program. Each of these components has its distinct characteristics and is administratively led by a person selected for that purpose in compliance with program procedures.

Position Summary

UNST Teaching Assistant Professors ( TAP ) are core-faculty members in University Studies ( UNST ). Faculty in this position teach our interdisciplinary First Year Inquiry and Sophomore Inquiry courses, and other UNST general education courses as assigned by the Executive Director and/or Associate Executive Director. For this position a scholarly background in the Humanities is required.

Appointments will include responsibility for undergraduate education, participation in assessment, conference attendance, and professional activities. The ability to work with, mentor and advise students and peer mentors of diverse populations and participate in departmental, college/ school, or university service are required.

Various assignments for fixed-term instructional and research faculty may include direct instruction, supporting scholarly activities, and service to the University, community, and profession. Expectations for the position are summarized below and will be the principal components upon which annual review and reappointment decisions will be based. The position description is incorporated by reference in the Notice of Appointment, consistent with the practices outlined for fixed-term faculty in the current PSU - AAUP collective bargaining agreement (Article 18) .

Please note, this position is open to PSU employees only.

Primary Activity

Primary Activity I - Instructional

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D., Terminal Degree or equivalent expertise and recognized scholarship in the Humanities.
• Demonstrated record of interdisciplinary scholarship and curriculum development.
• Commitment to general education and student centered holistic learning.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong commitment and background in student-centered pedagogy and engaged learning, which can include the scholarship of teaching and learning.
• Broad experience teaching across the levels.
• Experience teaching First Year Inquiry ( FRINQ ) and Sophomore Inquiry ( SINQ ) UNST courses. Particularly the following Sophomore Inquiry themes: Gender & Sexualities; Interpreting the Past; and Global Perspectives.
• Experience teaching first-generation students from historically marginalized groups.
• Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adhere to all of 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.

Professional Standards of Conduct

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respect ul, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.

The starting annual salary for this position will be $74,016 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.

An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare ; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools. Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package.

*Internal search approved for current PSU employees only.
#internal

Please provide the names, email addresses and phone numbers of three professional references. References will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for this job.

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

Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No

Background Check Required Yes

If you have questions

For questions, please contact Krys Roth, [e-mail]

Posting Close Date

Posting Close Date 06/19/2025

Projected Close Date for Posting

Projected Close Date for Posting Closes

Application screening begins 06/12/2025

Will you consider an ABD applicant for this position?

Will you consider an ABD applicant for this position? No

If yes, when must the degree be earned?

If necessary, would you be willing to sponsor the succcessful applicant for permanent US residence, now or in the future?

If necessary, would you be willing to sponsor the succcessful applicant for permanent US residence, now or in the future? No

Reference Requests

Reference Requests

Accept References

Accept References No

Minimum Number of References

Minimum Number of References 3

Maximum Number of References

Cutoff Date

Special Instruction for Reference Provider

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please name the specific field/discipline in which you received your doctoral degree.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your experience of interdisciplinary instruction at the undergrad level.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion? How have you demonstrated that commitment, and how would you develop and apply your commitment to create a classroom environment that is welcoming, inclusive and responsive to diverse points of view and learning styles)? Please limit your answer to 500 words.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your experience teaching undergraduate, writing intensive courses.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you currently employed with Portland State University?
  • Yes
  • No
• * How did you first find out about this position?
  • PSU Website
  • Indeed.com
  • HERCJobs
  • Urban League of Portland
  • Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
  • Oregon Employment Department
  • Social Media
  • Person Referral
  • Career Builder
  • Glass Door
  • Other - Please describe in the next Question
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled