AY26-27 Geology Adjunct Instructor

Portland State University, with its 49-acre downtown campus, is a comprehensive public university enrolling 20,000 students. PSU seeks to meet the needs of its increasingly diverse population through its curriculum, research, and community service activities. The university’s mission is to provide access through the life span to a quality liberal education for undergraduates and an appropriate array of professional and graduate programs.

About the Department

The Portland State University Geology Department excels at both teaching and research, partnering with local businesses, government, regional universities, and K-12 schools. Geology is the study of Earth and other planetary bodies; their composition, structure, and evolution. The department capitalizes on its unique location in the Pacific Northwest, a dynamic geologic environment, and the diversity of its faculty and student body.

About the Role

Portland State University’s Geology Department invites applications for local Adjunct Instructors with expertise in core areas of Geology and teaching experience to teach undergraduate sections of courses in Geology.

Qualifications

• M.S. or M.A. in Geology (or closely related field).
• Previous teaching experience.
• Applicant must reside in Oregon or SW Washington.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience teaching large undergraduate classes in Geology.

Key Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all 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, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with PSU’s Professional Standards of Conduct.

Pay

Adjunct faculty members are paid per credit hour per the AFT Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Proposed start date: 09/16/2026. Background check required.