Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies

Join the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a tenure-track faculty member specializing in Indigenous Knowledge and climate change, where you’ll collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers and Indigenous communities to address critical environmental and social challenges. This position offers the chance to lead innovative, interdisciplinary research, contribute to meaningful teaching, and engage deeply with Alaska Native communities. With strong institutional support, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role invites scholars passionate about making a lasting impact in Indigenous knowledge and climate resilience.

To thrive in this role, applicants should have strong experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and climate change impacts. Successful candidates will demonstrate interdisciplinary research skills, effective teaching abilities, and a commitment to mentoring diverse students. Excellent communication skills and the ability to navigate both academic and community settings with cultural sensitivity are essential for fostering meaningful partnerships and advancing impactful research.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. or terminal degree in Indigenous Studies, Environmental Science, Anthropology, Ecology, or a closely related field with a focus on Indigenous knowledge systems, traditional ecological knowledge, or climate change impacts.

Evidence of advanced training in interdisciplinary research methods relevant to environmental and social sciences.

Relevant postdoctoral experience or equivalent scholarly work demonstrating the ability to conduct independent research and collaborate across disciplines is preferred.

Position Details:

This position is located on the University of Alaska campus in Fairbanks, and flexible on-site/hybrid work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. Must be based in a non-geographical location. This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. Salary is based on education and experience. 

Applications will be accepted for review on March 13th, 2026, to ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on DAY BEFORE REVIEW DATE March 12th, 2026.

The following documents are required as part of a complete application for the position:

• CV
• Cover letter that includes a statement of teaching and research philosophy
• Unofficial transcript
• The names and contact information for three professional references, including previous supervisors.

The University of Alaska (UA) reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at the UA facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University's discretion. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or when required by the position's job duties.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Bryan Hoppough, Signers' Business Office Human Resources Coordinator, at behoppough@alaska.edu or 907-474-6569.

This position is represented by United Academics-AAUP/AFT (UNAC). https://unitedacademicsak.org/

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.