The University of Alaska - Southeast (UAS), located in the stunning coastal city of Juneau, Alaska, United States, is a vibrant public university within the University of Alaska system. Known for its emphasis on hands-on learning and connection to Alaska's natural environment, UAS offers a variety of jobs in higher education that attract professionals passionate about teaching, research, and community engagement. Jobs at University of Alaska - Southeast span faculty positions, administrative roles, research support, and staff opportunities, all set against the backdrop of the Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Park.
UAS serves around 3,500 students across its campuses in Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, with a focus on undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like education, business administration, marine biology, and fisheries science. The university's small class sizes (average 15 students) foster close mentorship, making it an ideal place for educators who thrive in personalized settings. Careers here emphasize practical skills relevant to Alaska's unique challenges, such as sustainable resource management and indigenous knowledge systems.
Whether you're seeking higher ed faculty jobs or support roles, UAS provides stable employment with benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition waivers for employees' dependents. The remote location in Southeast Alaska means jobs often include housing allowances or relocation support for certain positions.
Established in 1972 as Southeastern Community College and evolving into UAS in 1987, the university has grown from a small community college to a key regional institution. Its history is tied to Alaska's need for local higher education, particularly after the 1970s oil boom brought development to the region. Today, UAS jobs reflect this legacy, with a commitment to serving Alaska Native communities and promoting regional economic growth.
Over the years, UAS has expanded its research profile, notably through the University of Alaska Institute of Marine Science collaborations. This evolution has created diverse job opportunities, from tenure-track professors to grant-funded researchers. Historical milestones, like the 1990s development of the Egan Wing in Juneau, underscore the university's investment in infrastructure, supporting modern labs for marine science jobs.
UAS offers bachelor's and master's degrees in education, liberal arts, business, and natural sciences, with specialized programs in Alaska Native studies and environmental science. Faculty jobs at UAS often involve teaching these programs, blending classroom instruction with field experiences like salmon research in local streams.
Popular job categories include:
For a full list, visit university job types. UAS also posts higher ed postdoc jobs tied to federal grants from NOAA and NSF.
Jobs at University of Alaska - Southeast demand rigorous qualifications tailored to Alaska's context. Faculty positions typically require a PhD in the relevant field, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marine Biology for ocean-related roles or Education for teaching programs.
Research focus areas include coastal ecology, climate change impacts on glaciers, and sustainable aquaculture. Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications (at least 5-10 for assistant professors), grant writing success (e.g., NSF funding), and field work in remote Alaskan environments.
Key skills and competencies:
Administrative jobs may require a master's and experience in higher ed operations.
The application process for UAS jobs starts with the University of Alaska's online portal at uakjobs.alaska.edu. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and three references. For faculty roles, include a teaching philosophy statement and research agenda.
Actionable tips:
Processing takes 4-6 weeks, with background checks required.
UAS is committed to diversity through the Sealaska Heritage Institute partnership and the Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI), which recruits underrepresented Alaska Native students. Hiring practices include affirmative action, with goals to increase faculty diversity to match the 30% Alaska Native student population. Initiatives like the UAS Equity Team provide training on inclusive teaching, and events such as Cultural Heritage Month celebrate indigenous contributions. Women and minorities hold key leadership roles, like the provost position.
Campus life at UAS in Juneau revolves around natural beauty, with trails, kayaking, and whale watching enhancing work-life balance. Employees enjoy 37.5-hour workweeks, generous leave (22 vacation days/year), and wellness programs including gym access and mental health support. Remote campuses in Sitka and Ketchikan offer tight-knit communities. Flexible scheduling for faculty allows research sabbaticals every 5 years. The cost of living is high, but salaries adjust, and perks like free ferry travel aid commuting. UAS fosters a supportive environment with low turnover and strong union representation for faculty.
Jobs at University of Alaska - Southeast offer unique opportunities in a breathtaking setting. From faculty to research roles, UAS combines academic rigor with Alaskan adventure. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to connect with top talent.
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