Assistant Professor in Human or Animal Health

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Fairbanks, LOUISIANA
Deadline: ; Open until filled

The position will be jointly appointed between the Department of Biology and Wildlife in the College of Natural Science and Mathematics and the Institute of Arctic Biology. Joint appointments offer protected research time through a reduced teaching load, providing a supportive environment for early career researchers. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a sustainable, externally-funded research program, mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research, contribute to the curriculum through excellence and innovation in teaching, participate in university, professional, and public service and actively contribute to UAF’s ongoing work on equity, diversity, and inclusion in science.

In addition to a start-up package, numerous UA programs offer additional support. The Alaska INBRE program, an NIH infrastructure program with a focus on One Health, offers research funding opportunities through pilot awards, undergraduate and graduate student fellowships, publication and funding support, and travel grants for biomedical and environmental health research. Several research centers provide substantial opportunities for collaboration, including the Center for Alaska Native Health Research, the Center for One Health Research and the Center for Transformative Research in Metabolism. Numerous laboratory facilities and field stations are available for research and teaching, including state-of-the-art animal holding facilities with specialized chambers for studying mammalian hibernators. There are also opportunities for collaborations with state and federal agencies, such as the Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Tribal Health Organizations, and NEON. Additional details about our faculty, programs, and facilities are available on the Institute of Arctic Biology and Department of Biology & Wildlife websites.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is the state’s major research institution and has been ranked as one of the top 25 small universities in the United States by Times Higher Education. The university serves 5,300 students, 90% of which are undergraduates. Over 20% of the student body identifies as Alaska Native and 30% as ethnic minority. Fairbanks is a small, culturally-diverse city (pop. ~100,000) with a strong sense of community and vibrant arts scene. With its vast network of trails, nearby national and state recreational areas, and easy access to Denali National Park, Fairbanks offers unparalleled year-round outdoor opportunities.

To succeed in this position you will need to have research and teaching expertise in human or animal health, the ability to effectively teach college level courses (in person and online), and the ability to acquire research funding from external sources and regularly publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.  You will need to be able to effectively mentor students and have strong interpersonal and communication skills.  You will need to have the ability to positively represent the university and uphold the highest standards of personal and research integrity.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or a related field and have expertise in the field of human or animal health. We encourage candidates to apply who have postdoctoral research experience, a record of extramural funding, teaching and/or mentoring experience, and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Teaching needs for this position include courses of interest to pre-medical and pre-health students, with a preference for candidates who can also teach Cell and Molecular Biology at the undergraduate level.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks. 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. 


Please submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: a cover letter, curriculum vitae that includes the names and contact information for three references, and statements (1-2 pages each) of (1) research accomplishments, goals, and funding plans; (2) teaching and mentoring philosophy, experience, and interests; (3) commitment to and/or experience with improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. Letters of recommendation will be requested after the initial application screening and references will be required within two weeks of the request.

Review of applicants will begin immediately on December 21st, to ensure full consideration you must apply by 11:59 pm on December 20, 2023

This position is represented by United Academics-AAUP/AFT (UNAC). http://www.unitedacademics.net/


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.


UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination .


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.


If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Abby Dunham, Institute of Arctic Biology HR Coordinator, at [email protected] or (907) 474-7463.


Advertised:13 Nov 2023 Alaskan Standard Time
Applications close:Open until filled