Term Assistant Professor of Extension

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an exciting venue to study agriculture and horticulture in a rapidly changing environment, providing unique economic opportunities. Come work with a well-established foundational crew of agronomists, integrated pest management researchers and practitioners, and educators specializing in commercial agriculture and horticulture as well as gardening and home horticulture.

In this position, the successful candidate will conduct Extension activities and collaborate with other faculty in the Master Gardener Program. Delivery of educational programs to industry and the general public that disseminate knowledge and research findings on agricultural and horticultural food production practices in generally understandable terms is a must. The candidate will demonstrate agricultural and horticultural practices through informal trials or by demonstrating best practices in applying techniques. The successful candidate will publish Extension publications and provide outreach through Extension outlets on topics of agriculture and horticulture.

The successful candidate will also collaborate with researchers in agricultural and horticultural crop production markets to bring the needs of the industry and community to those researchers. The successful candidate will collaborate on research design and lead outreach portions of projects. Research progress will be communicated through reports and peer-reviewed journals. It is crucial that research results be communicated in a way that allows the public and industry professionals to adopt management solutions. This involves publishing easy-to-understand methods of plant cultivation and production, presenting research results to various audiences, and responding to questions from both the general public and industry professionals regarding production methods.

The successful candidate will write interdisciplinary grant proposals that involve outreach or research activities. The position is a 9-month-term funded position, with the possibility of extension to 12 months if additional funds are secured. The candidate will be responsible for pursuing additional funding to complement the base funded tasks.

Service to IANRE, UAF and the profession is essential. Contributions include self-governance, planning, and administration, as well as representing UAF and IANRE in the university, state, or national committees, professional societies, and local groups.

To thrive in this role, a successful applicant must possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a specific emphasis on listening to and interpreting the needs of Alaska’s agricultural and horticultural food producers. The applicant will be responsible for translating complex research findings into practical guidance for homeowners, gardeners, farmers, and other Alaskans. Essential technical skills include the ability to address emerging issues such as new crop cultivation, crop pest management, and adapting to a changing climate.

Applicant Instructions:

Please provide the following documents:

Cover letter (2 page limit)

CV/Resume (5 page limit)

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field; Or a combination of a Master of Science in Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field, combined with equivalent years of experience performing Extension activities; a proven record of informal teaching to the public and industry; Ability to develop collaborations with private and public sector organizations to conduct outreach or research.

A valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks Alaska. This is a full-time, exempt 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 and negotiable.

Application review will begin on Monday January 4, 2027. To ensure consideration, please submit your application by 11:55 PM Alaska Standard Time on Sunday January 3, 2027. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer. 

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kenna Metivier, Signers' Business Office at kjmetivier@alaska.edu

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

This position is term-funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

*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 the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

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/compliance/clery-act/annual-security-reports.html. 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.orca@alaska.edu.