Visiting Instructor in Mathematics and Sciences

promise of higher education: empowering young people whose talents could go unrealized, bridging the gap between high school and four-year institutions that match students’ potential, serving as a launchpad for their educational and career aspirations, and giving them the tools to transform their own lives, their communities, and the broader world. In August 2024, we launched our two-year undergraduate program as our next step toward realizing our vision. To date, we have served more than 250 students from across Alaska and the globe. For more about Outer Coast, see outercoast.org .

Visiting Instructor Role and Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities for the Visiting Instructor position would include two courses: teaching or co-teaching the curriculumʼs flagship “Models in Science” class – an introduction to quantitative methods and mathematics through the lens of a scientific discipline(s) of the instructorʼs choosing – in addition to one elective. Subjects for the elective course depend upon the instructorʼs discipline(s), but possible fields include geophysical sciences, engineering, biology, or topics in the intersection of culture and science (history of science, anthropology of science, etc.). 

A successful candidate will have teaching and curricular development experience at the college level. A PhD in a STEM field is preferred, but other forms of qualification and credentialing (including experiential) are also welcome. We are particularly interested in candidates with interdisciplinary methods and expertise, and those with specializations related to the profile of Outer Coast, including the study of Alaska, coastal environments and systems (geology, hydrology, oceanography, aquatic or marine biology, etc.), and/or the intersection of Western sciences and Indigenous knowledge.

We especially encourage applications from Alaskans and Alaska Natives, as well as other identities representative of the students we serve.

Compensation for the Spring Term is $25,000 along with housing and a relocation stipend.

Outer Coast

Outer Coast is a new two-year liberal arts institution in Sitka, Alaska. We offer a transformative, community-based education for students from across Alaska and around the world. At Outer Coast, the goal of education is to help students interrogate the challenges facing our communities, country, and world, and develop the skills and confidence to solve those challenges.

Outer Coast fosters a culture of excellence in liberal arts teaching and learning which extends beyond the abstract and into the concrete, place-based, and practical. Students are immersed in the real world by bearing responsibility for and contributing to the interconnected community of Sitka and Lingít Aaní, the land of the Tlingit people.

About half of all Outer Coast students are Alaskan—most of whom are Alaska Native and/or from rural Alaska. We meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students. After two years at Outer Coast, students are in a position to transfer, with the support and guidance of Outer Coast staff, to four-year institutions to complete their undergraduate education.

Outer Coast is anchored in Sitka and in Southeast Alaska. As part of our curriculum, undergraduates take part in the work of the community, contributing upwards of 7,500 collective hours of volunteer service each year to meet the needs of the community’s people, organizations, and nonprofits.

Sitka is a vibrant rural community of 9,000 on Baranof Island. It has its own radio station, newspaper, and a rich mix of local organizations, artistic groups, cultural institutions, and access to nature by land and sea. Though an island community, Sitka is reachable by daily Alaska Airlines flights from Seattle and Juneau. 

Application Requirements

Please submit the following materials for review as a single PDF. 

• Letter of intent addressing why you are interested in this position; outlining your teaching philosophy and experience; and briefly discussing your scholarly/research interests. 
• Two brief proposals for courses that you might teach (max. 400 words each)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Two syllabi from previously taught courses (can also be syllabi from courses in which you have been a teaching assistant)

Candidates may be contacted for phone and video interviews and asked to supply two open references, a reference from a former student, and a proposed syllabus.

Please submit all application materials to Academic Operations Fellow Hamilton Peacock at hamilton@outercoast.org with the subject “[Name of Applicant]: Spring 2027 Visiting Instructor Application”. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis but applications submitted by October 20 will be guaranteed full consideration. The position is open until filled.

Outer Coast is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages people from minority groups and diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our organization.