Overview
Assistant Professor of Outdoor Studies
University of Alaska Southeast
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor – Outdoor Studies Program
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track assistant professor in its interdisciplinary Outdoor Studies program beginning August 2025. We are looking for a scholar with a background in the humanities or social sciences who can teach both interdisciplinary academic courses and outdoor field courses as well as maintain a productive research/scholarship program.
University of Alaska Southeast – Outdoor Studies Program
The Outdoor Studies Program, housed in the humanities department of UAS, offers an interdisciplinary liberal arts approach that integrates technical courses in climbing, kayaking, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor pursuits with intellectually challenging courses in philosophy, literature, the social sciences, and other academic areas. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Outdoor and Adventure Studies, and a 2-semester certificate in Outdoor Skills and Leadership.
UAS is located in Southeast Alaska on the cultural homeland of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. The Department of Humanities supports the ongoing decolonization of the university, openly embraces diversity and inclusivity, and seeks candidates who will create a climate that attracts students of all races, genders, classes, sexualities, ethnicities, religions, and abilities.
The UAS Juneau campus overlooks Auke Bay on one side and Auke Lake and the Mendenhall Glacier on the other. Importantly for the Outdoor Studies Program, this beautiful location offers excellent access to salt water, fresh water, mountains, and glaciers.
The ideal candidate will possess the ability to teach both lower and upper-division interdisciplinary academic courses required in the program (examples might include, Philosophy 372: Perspectives on the Natural World, Environmental Studies 120: Cultures and Environments, or Humanities 370: Sport, Leisure, and Culture). The candidate should have the ability to teach outdoor skills courses (examples might include, Backpacking in Southeast Alaska, Backcountry Skiing, or Introduction to Sea Kayaking). And, the candidate is expected to maintain an active research program in humanities or social sciences, with an interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary work.
The role also requires a willingness to lead or assist in expedition courses, which may involve international travel and travel in remote environments. Experience guiding or leading groups in outdoor settings, particularly in cold mountain or coastal environments will be an asset. Finally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to fostering an equitable, culturally safe campus that values diversity and inclusivity.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
• A Ph.D. in a humanities, social science, or related field (ABD applicants will also be considered).
• Strong outdoor skills.
About University of Alaska Southeast
See DescriptionUAS is located in Southeast Alaska on the cultural homeland of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. The Department of Humanities supports the ongoing decolonization of the university, openly embraces diversity and inclusivity, and seeks candidates who will create a climate that attracts students of all races, genders, classes, sexualities, ethnicities, religions, and abilities.
