The University of Arkansas (System), often abbreviated as UA System, represents one of the largest public higher education networks in the United States, spanning multiple campuses across Arkansas with a strong presence in Little Rock. Jobs at University of Arkansas (System) encompass a diverse array of opportunities in teaching, research, administration, and support services. Whether you're a seasoned academic professional eyeing professor jobs or an early-career researcher seeking research jobs, the system offers roles that contribute to its mission of advancing knowledge and serving the state.
Established as a land-grant university, the UA System includes flagship institutions like the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and specialized campuses such as the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, which focuses on health professions. These jobs not only provide competitive salaries but also the chance to impact students and communities in Arkansas. With over 30,000 employees system-wide, opportunities abound for those passionate about higher education.
The roots of jobs at University of Arkansas (System) trace back to 1871 when the flagship University of Arkansas in Fayetteville opened its doors under the Morrill Act, emphasizing agriculture and mechanical arts. Over the decades, the system expanded to eight universities and the statewide Division of Agriculture, creating thousands of positions in academia and research. Key milestones include the establishment of UAMS in 1956 in Little Rock, which now leads in medical training and biomedical research, and the growth of UA Little Rock into a hub for urban studies and technology.
This evolution has shaped job landscapes, from early faculty roles teaching farming techniques to modern positions in cybersecurity and genomics at Little Rock campuses. Today, the system employs professionals who drive innovations, such as agricultural advancements through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, reflecting Arkansas's rural heritage blended with urban progress in Little Rock.
Jobs at University of Arkansas (System) are deeply tied to its robust academic offerings. The Fayetteville campus excels in engineering, business, and law, while UAMS in Little Rock specializes in medicine, nursing, and public health. UA Little Rock offers strong programs in cybersecurity, data science, and education, attracting faculty and researchers to these fields.
Other campuses like UA Fort Smith focus on health sciences and education, providing adjunct and full-time lecturer positions. These programs create demand for experts in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), humanities, and professional studies. For instance, the system's land-grant status supports extensive extension services, leading to jobs in community outreach and applied research.
Diverse roles define jobs at University of Arkansas (System). Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjuncts teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Research roles span postdocs, research associates, and principal investigators on grants. Administrative jobs cover deans, department chairs, HR specialists, and executive leadership. Support staff positions include lab technicians, IT support, and student services coordinators.
Specialized opportunities at Little Rock's UAMS include clinical researchers and medical faculty, while Fayetteville offers agriculture specialists. Explore university job types for a full breakdown of these categories. Many roles align with higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs, catering to various career stages.
To fully understand jobs at University of Arkansas (System), key terms include: Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, typically requiring research and teaching excellence. Postdoctoral researcher (postdoc): A temporary position post-PhD for advanced research training. Land-grant university: Institutions funded to provide practical education in agriculture, science, and engineering, like the UA System. Extension services: Outreach programs delivering research-based knowledge to communities.
Securing jobs at University of Arkansas (System) demands specific credentials. For faculty roles, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard—essential for tenure-track positions in departments like biology or engineering. Research focus areas include biomedical sciences at UAMS Little Rock, agricultural innovation at Fayetteville, and cybersecurity at UA Little Rock.
Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5-10 for assistant professor roles), securing grants from agencies like NSF (National Science Foundation) or NIH (National Institutes of Health), and teaching diverse student groups. Key skills and competencies involve strong communication for lecturing, data analysis tools like R or Python for researchers, grant writing prowess, and interdisciplinary collaboration. For administrative jobs, a master's in higher education administration plus 5+ years of experience is common.
The application process for jobs at University of Arkansas (System) begins on the centralized careers portal at uasys.edu/careers, where postings list specific requirements. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, research agenda, and three references. Interviews often include campus visits with seminars.
Actionable tips: Customize materials to UA's mission—highlight Arkansas ties or public service. Use free resume templates and cover letter templates from AcademicJobs.com. Network at conferences, follow up post-submission, and prepare for diversity questions. For research roles, emphasize metrics like h-index. Read how to write a winning academic CV for edge.
The UA System champions diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with campus-specific councils promoting underrepresented faculty hiring. Examples include the ADVANCE program at Fayetteville for women in STEM, recruiting over 50 diverse hires since 2016, and UAMS's Pipeline Programs diversifying health professions. Little Rock campuses host cultural centers and bias training, fostering inclusive environments. Annual reports track progress, with goals for 20% underrepresented minority faculty by 2030.
Jobs at University of Arkansas (System) prioritize work-life balance via flexible scheduling, parental leave (up to 12 weeks), and EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) for mental health. Campuses offer gyms, childcare, and tuition discounts—employees' dependents attend nearly free.
In Little Rock, UAMS and UA Little Rock provide vibrant urban life with proximity to the Clinton Presidential Library, riverside trails, and cultural events, blending professional growth with recreation. Fayetteville boasts Razorback athletics and Ozark scenery. Wellness initiatives include yoga classes and farm-to-table dining from ag programs, supporting holistic lifestyles.
With Arkansas's low cost of living and system-wide resources like the $1.2 billion research enterprise, UA jobs offer stability and impact. Contribute to state priorities like health equity at UAMS or economic development via engineering research. Salaries competitive: assistant professors average $90,000, per AAUP data.
Professional development includes sabbaticals, travel funds, and leadership training. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.
Jobs at University of Arkansas (System) blend tradition with innovation across Arkansas campuses, especially in Little Rock. Ready to apply? Browse higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice. Employers can post a job or explore employer branding secrets. Join the Razorback family today.
