Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism - UAF Snedden Chair

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 Department at the University of Alaska Fairbanks recently redesigned itself as the Science and Environmental Journalism program. The incredible Arctic and environmental science research at this university, along with its position – literally and figuratively – on the leading edge of climate change, make UAF an ideal location to educate the next generation of science and environmental reporters. It’s an exciting time to consider joining us on the ground floor of this program.

The C.W. Snedden Chair at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, endowed through a $2.5 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. 

A successful applicant will have significant experience as a reporter, writer and/or producer, along with a deep interest in teaching science and environmental journalism to undergraduate college students. Excitement for the creative shaping and growth of this exciting new journalism program is necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Position Details:

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

To apply, please include the following materials with your application:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• At least two, and no more than three, examples of published/broadcast work or links to such works.
• Names and contact information for three professional references

An initial Review Date of applications will be May 30, 2024. Applications must be completed and submitted no later than 11:55 PM (Alaska Standard Time) May 29, 2024 for consideration.  To ensure consideration, please apply prior to the review date. Position is open until filled.

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

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

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 at uaf-cla-hr@alaska.edu or 907-474-7231.

*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:

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.