Northern Arizona University (NAU), located in the scenic city of Flagstaff, Arizona, is a vibrant public research university offering a wide array of career opportunities for academics, researchers, and professionals. With its main campus nestled at 7,000 feet elevation amid Ponderosa pines, NAU attracts talent seeking both intellectual challenge and natural beauty. Jobs at Northern Arizona University span faculty positions, research roles, administrative jobs, and support staff, all contributing to its mission of student-centered learning and research excellence.
Founded in 1899, NAU has grown into a Carnegie-classified R2 institution with over 29,000 students. Its emphasis on undergraduate research and community engagement makes it an ideal place for those passionate about higher education. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or research assistant jobs, NAU provides competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development.
Northern Arizona University began as the Northern Arizona Normal School, focused on teacher training. Over the decades, it evolved into a comprehensive university, gaining university status in 1966. Today, NAU is renowned for programs in forestry (one of the oldest in the US), environmental sciences, and hotel and restaurant management. Its research expenditures exceed $50 million annually, funding innovative projects in climate science and sustainability.
This rich history shapes jobs at NAU, where faculty often engage in grant-funded research tied to Arizona's unique ecosystems. The university's commitment to access and affordability, as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2017, influences hiring practices prioritizing diverse perspectives.
NAU's six colleges—Arts and Letters, Education, Engineering, Informatics and Applied Sciences, Health and Human Services, and the W. A. Franke College of Business—drive job openings. Popular departments for jobs include Biological Sciences, Forestry, and Psychology, with strong demand for faculty in STEM and health fields.
For example, the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences frequently posts research jobs, leveraging Flagstaff's proximity to national forests. Education roles abound in the College of Education, preparing teachers for Arizona's schools.
Jobs at NAU include tenure-track faculty, adjunct instructors, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and administrative positions like deans or HR specialists. Tenure-track roles offer job security after a probationary period, while adjuncts provide flexible teaching. For a full breakdown, visit university job types.
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to tenure, a permanent appointment after review of teaching, research, and service, typically 5-7 years.
Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor without tenure eligibility, often hired per course.
Postdoctoral researcher (postdoc): Temporary position for recent PhD holders to gain experience, usually 1-3 years.
Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI): University with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment, qualifying for federal grants to support underrepresented students.
Most faculty jobs at Northern Arizona University require a PhD in the relevant field, such as Biology for sciences or EdD for education leadership. Lecturer positions may accept a Master's degree with significant experience. Research roles demand advanced degrees and specialized training, like in GIS for environmental studies.
NAU prioritizes research aligning with its strategic plan, including climate adaptation, Indigenous knowledge, and health disparities. Expertise in grant-funded projects or interdisciplinary collaboration is key. For instance, the Ecological Restoration Institute seeks experts in forest ecology.
Candidates with 3+ years post-PhD experience, 5+ publications in peer-reviewed journals, successful grants (e.g., from NSF), and teaching portfolios stand out. Administrative roles prefer prior higher ed management. Learn more via how to write a winning academic CV.
To apply for jobs at NAU, visit nau.jobs, create an account, and submit a tailored application. Include a CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and research statement. Tips:
Review employer branding strategies in employer branding secrets to stand out.
NAU's Inclusive Communities initiative promotes equity through the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). As an HSI and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution, it offers scholarships and mentorship for underrepresented groups. Recent efforts include bias training and diverse hiring committees.
Flagstaff's location offers year-round recreation: skiing at Arizona Snowbowl, hiking in Grand Canyon proximity, and biking trails. NAU supports balance with 4/10 workweeks for staff, parental leave, EAP counseling, and on-campus childcare. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals and flexible schedules, fostering a supportive environment amid stunning landscapes.
Jobs at Northern Arizona University blend academic rigor with Arizona's outdoor lifestyle. Explore higher ed jobs, get career advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. NAU awaits talented professionals.
