Pacific Islander Studies Scholar in Residence
Portland State University
Position Announcement Position Details Proposed Start Date 09/16/2025 Rank CT - Teaching Assistant Professor Working Title Pacific Islander Studies Scholar in Residence Position Number D91549 Representation AU - AAUP Faculty Type Fixed Term Research/Grant Fixed Term End Date: 06/15/2027 Position FTE 1.0 Term of Service 9 month Position Summary Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept Portland State University (PSU) is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action – in Portland and beyond. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to community-based learning opportunities and career connections.
More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. Portland State is ranked in the top 10% nationwide and number one in Oregon for social mobility based on the university’s effectiveness in enrolling students with low-income backgrounds and graduating them into jobs.
Portland State University is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI). In 2023, it became the first public institution in Oregon to be designated as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). PSU is also an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. With the support of a $2 million federal AANAPISI grant, Portland State will expand support, resources, and services for Pacific Islander and Asian American students over the next 5 years. Grant activities build upon years-long advocacy from students, faculty, and staff and include developing a Pacific Islander and Asian American Studies minor and creating a student retention program specifically for Pacific Islanders modeled after EMPOWER, a program that broadly serves first-generation Asian American and Pacific Islander students. Read more about the grant here. Portland State also partners with Northern Marianas College (NMC) (Saipan) to support Pacific Islander students from NMC to transition into a four-year degree program.
For information about the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, please visit https://www.pdx.edu/liberal-arts-sciences/ Position Summary PSU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences seeks a two year visiting scholar specializing in Pacific Islander Studies starting September 16, 2025. The successful scholar may have the opportunity to apply for a tenure-track faculty position at PSU starting in the 2027-2028 academic year.
We encourage applications from scholars from any discipline whose research centers Pacific Islander Studies and who practice comparative, relational, intersectional and interdisciplinary methods and community-engaged approaches to research and teaching. Given the diversity of our student population, we expect that the successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to inclusive pedagogies rooted in anti-racism, anti-colonialism, anti-ableism, feminism, and/or environmental justice.
The successful applicant will be expected to develop and teach courses in their area of expertise as well as general courses that contribute to the development of a Pacific Islander & Asian American (PIAA) Studies curriculum and to PSU’s Race and Ethnic Studies requirement. The successful applicant will also be expected to develop an active research agenda and publication record and engage in service activities that support Pacific Islander students. Primary Activity I - Instructional Minimum Qualifications The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in any area of Pacific Islander Studies, and Indigenous scholars from across the disciplinary and interdisciplinary spectrum are encouraged to apply. The PhD. must be in hand by time of appointment.
The successful candidate must also have the following: Previous experience teaching courses in Pacific Islander Studies Demonstrated commitment to and/or evidence of working successfully with Pacific Islander and/or Asian American communities and/or organizations Demonstrated potential for research and scholarly activities Experience teachingstudents from diverse populations Experience teaching in both in-person and online modalities
Additionally, this position will require the successful completion of a background check. Preferred Qualifications Key Cultural Competencies Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences. Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds. Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement. Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct. Environmental Stewardship Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals. Professional Standards of Conduct At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respect ul, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy. Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be $71,163 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator Application Instructions Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.) Complete the online application and include: Cover letter that describes your scholarship and teaching interests and experience Current CV Two sample syllabi (Work Sample) 1-page statement that explains how your syllabi reflect your teaching philosophy and pedagogy. Statement of inclusion. The purpose of this statement is to identify candidates who have professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance our campus equity and inclusion efforts in alignment with the PSU President’s strategic priority of Acting on Equity and Racial Justice. (Other 2) A sample of scholarship (Other 4) Contact information for three individuals who have agreed to serve as references. References will not be contacted until you have been selected for further consideration. Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes If you have questions Please contact Dr. Marie Lo at mmlo@pdx.edu Search Details Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Finalists Identified Application screening begins 12/02/2024 Will you consider an ABD applicant for this position? Yes If yes, when must the degree be earned? Degree must be conferred before start date of 9/16/25 If necessary, would you be willing to sponsor the succcessful applicant for permanent US residence, now or in the future? No Reference Requests Reference Requests Accept References Yes Minimum Number of References 3 Maximum Number of References Cutoff Date Special Instruction for Reference Provider Thank you for your time in providing our committee with your
assessment of the applicant. Please upload your letter of recommendation by 12/20/24. Supplemental Questions
More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. Portland State is ranked in the top 10% nationwide and number one in Oregon for social mobility based on the university’s effectiveness in enrolling students with low-income backgrounds and graduating them into jobs.
Portland State University is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI). In 2023, it became the first public institution in Oregon to be designated as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). PSU is also an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. With the support of a $2 million federal AANAPISI grant, Portland State will expand support, resources, and services for Pacific Islander and Asian American students over the next 5 years. Grant activities build upon years-long advocacy from students, faculty, and staff and include developing a Pacific Islander and Asian American Studies minor and creating a student retention program specifically for Pacific Islanders modeled after EMPOWER, a program that broadly serves first-generation Asian American and Pacific Islander students. Read more about the grant here. Portland State also partners with Northern Marianas College (NMC) (Saipan) to support Pacific Islander students from NMC to transition into a four-year degree program.
For information about the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, please visit https://www.pdx.edu/liberal-arts-sciences/ Position Summary PSU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences seeks a two year visiting scholar specializing in Pacific Islander Studies starting September 16, 2025. The successful scholar may have the opportunity to apply for a tenure-track faculty position at PSU starting in the 2027-2028 academic year.
We encourage applications from scholars from any discipline whose research centers Pacific Islander Studies and who practice comparative, relational, intersectional and interdisciplinary methods and community-engaged approaches to research and teaching. Given the diversity of our student population, we expect that the successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to inclusive pedagogies rooted in anti-racism, anti-colonialism, anti-ableism, feminism, and/or environmental justice.
The successful applicant will be expected to develop and teach courses in their area of expertise as well as general courses that contribute to the development of a Pacific Islander & Asian American (PIAA) Studies curriculum and to PSU’s Race and Ethnic Studies requirement. The successful applicant will also be expected to develop an active research agenda and publication record and engage in service activities that support Pacific Islander students. Primary Activity I - Instructional Minimum Qualifications The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in any area of Pacific Islander Studies, and Indigenous scholars from across the disciplinary and interdisciplinary spectrum are encouraged to apply. The PhD. must be in hand by time of appointment.
The successful candidate must also have the following: Previous experience teaching courses in Pacific Islander Studies Demonstrated commitment to and/or evidence of working successfully with Pacific Islander and/or Asian American communities and/or organizations Demonstrated potential for research and scholarly activities Experience teachingstudents from diverse populations Experience teaching in both in-person and online modalities
Additionally, this position will require the successful completion of a background check. Preferred Qualifications Key Cultural Competencies Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences. Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds. Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement. Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct. Environmental Stewardship Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals. Professional Standards of Conduct At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respect ul, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy. Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be $71,163 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator Application Instructions Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.) Complete the online application and include: Cover letter that describes your scholarship and teaching interests and experience Current CV Two sample syllabi (Work Sample) 1-page statement that explains how your syllabi reflect your teaching philosophy and pedagogy. Statement of inclusion. The purpose of this statement is to identify candidates who have professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance our campus equity and inclusion efforts in alignment with the PSU President’s strategic priority of Acting on Equity and Racial Justice. (Other 2) A sample of scholarship (Other 4) Contact information for three individuals who have agreed to serve as references. References will not be contacted until you have been selected for further consideration. Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No Background Check Required Yes If you have questions Please contact Dr. Marie Lo at mmlo@pdx.edu Search Details Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Finalists Identified Application screening begins 12/02/2024 Will you consider an ABD applicant for this position? Yes If yes, when must the degree be earned? Degree must be conferred before start date of 9/16/25 If necessary, would you be willing to sponsor the succcessful applicant for permanent US residence, now or in the future? No Reference Requests Reference Requests Accept References Yes Minimum Number of References 3 Maximum Number of References Cutoff Date Special Instruction for Reference Provider Thank you for your time in providing our committee with your
assessment of the applicant. Please upload your letter of recommendation by 12/20/24. Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Please name the specific field/discipline in which you received (or will receive) your doctoral degree.(Open Ended Question)
* If you are ABD, when do you expect your degree to be conferred?(Open Ended Question)
* How did you first find out about this position? PSU website Indeed Chronicle of Higher Education Higher Ed Jobs HERCJobs Referral Professional Listserv- please specify in comment box in the next question Professional Journal- please specify in comment box in the next question Other- please specify in comment box in the next question If you selected Other, please describe.(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents Required Documents Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Work Sample Statement of Teaching Philosophy Other 2 (describe) Other 4 (describe) Optional Documents
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