Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism - UAF Snedden Chair

Job Description

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Science and Environmental Journalism Department is seeking an exceptional journalist as the C. W. Snedden Chair for the 2024 – 2027 academic years (three-year appointment). We are looking for an award-winning science and/or environmental journalist to teach Alaska’s future reporters in specialized, multimedia journalism. We invite enterprising professionals to join us teaching while also doing their own reporting in a land rich with untold stories.

*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 Journalism Program at UAF has recently re-shaped itself into an undergraduate Science and Environmental Journalism program. With the incredible arctic and environmental science programs at this university, and its major research on global climate change, this is an ideal location to collaborate with the sciences in educating the next generation of those who cover these topics and disseminate information about them to the public. The program has room for growth, and the number of majors it is attracting is growing daily. This is an exciting time to consider joining us on the ground floor in enacting this program in Alaska.

A successful applicant will have a deep interest in teaching science and environmental journalism to undergraduate college students. Their professional background will lend credence to their in-class teachings. Excitement for the creative shaping and growth of this exciting new journalism program is necessary.

The C.W. Snedden Chair at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, endowed through a $2.6 million gift from the family of the former owner and publisher of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, is designed both to expose Alaska's future journalists to the best in the reporting profession and to provide America's finest journalists with the opportunity to report for their own journalism output. 

This chair rotates among award-winning journalists. The appointee will teach and lecture in Fairbanks for the 2024-2027 academic years. This position is a term-funded position through June 30, 2027.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience and publication in science and/or environmental journalism. Bachelor’s degree required.

Candidates must be prepared to relocate to Fairbanks, Alaska for the 2024-2027 academic years.

Position Details:

This position is located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. This is a full-time, term, faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, up to 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. The department can offer on-campus housing, if needed.

Please submit:

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

3. A document with links to at least two, and NO MORE THAN THREE, examples of published/broadcast work.

4. Names and contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references

An initial Review Date of applications will be May 6, 2024. Applications must be completed and submitted no later than 11:55 PM (Alaska Standard Time) May 5, 2024 for consideration.  To ensure consideration, please apply prior to the review date. Position is open until filled.

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

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

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 Ellen Cruse, CLA HR Coordinator, at uaf-cla-hr@alaska.edu or 907-474-1134.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience and publication in science and/or environmental journalism. Bachelor’s degree required.

Candidates must be prepared to relocate to Fairbanks, Alaska for the 2024-2027 academic years.

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