Position Information: DescriptionThe Department of History & American Indian Studies at the University of North Dakota seeks a full-time faculty member within its American Indian Studies program. This is a 9-month tenure track Assistant Professor position, contingent upon the availability of funding.

This position will fill a vital role in continuing UND’s service to the state through its American Indian Studies educational programs.  The program has connections with the state’s tribal colleges, hopes to continue serving the state’s residents through education and outreach, and has a role to play in ensuring the state’s K-12 students understand its Native American history.  As the only American Indian Studies program in a state with a significant American Indian population, the successful hire will be in a unique position to capitalize on many opportunities for outreach and scholarship.

The University of North Dakota Department of History & American Indian Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Indian Studies, a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History, and an M.A., D.A., and Ph.D. in History.  Within the department, the American Indian Studies Program is the only program in the North Dakota University System offering a four-year degree focused on American Indian/Native American studies.

In addition to the American Indian Studies program, the University of North Dakota features multiple programs and offices devoted to providing educational opportunities and support to Native American students.  The American Indian Center provides programming, support services, and a dedicated physical space for gathering.  In the health science fields UND boasts highly-acclaimed and well-established programs focused on preparing Native American students for careers in medicine, nursing, and psychology.  Each spring UND holds a Time Out Week/Wacipi to celebrate Native American Culture.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota.  It is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity.  Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region.  UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with nearly 14,000 students.  It is the home of the state’s only School of Law.  The School of Medicine has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.  Short commutes, a great public school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages.  Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe successful applicant will contribute to the American Indian Studies program through teaching, scholarly activity, and service within the department, college, university, and community.  Typical teaching loads will involve 5 courses per year initially; up to 6 beginning in the third year of appointment.  UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.

Specific aspects of the position include:

Teach five to six courses per year within the American Indian Studies program.Course and curriculum development.Scholarly activity leading to publication.Service to the department, institution, and community – including outreach to the state’s reservations and tribal colleges.Student mentorship and advising.

Required Competencies

• Ability to be an effective teacher who will embrace new ideas and approaches to inspire students.
• Ability to develop and carry forward a successful research program.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of History & American Indian Studies.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. with an emphasis in some area of American Indian Studies by August 15, 2022.
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or demonstrated interest in issues related to Native American public health, such as social or environmental determinants of health impacts.
• Previous teaching experience, including the use of innovative pedagogies and online/remote tools and strategies.
• An existing record of scholarly achievement, including a record of peer-reviewed publication on issues pertinent to the position.

Minimum Hiring SalarySalary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Work Schedule/Start DatePosition is full-time, benefitted and exempt.  Initial contract extends from August 16, 2022 to May 15, 2023. Summer teaching may be available, but is neither guaranteed nor required.

To ApplyFor full consideration, applications must be received by October 29, 2021 and include the following materials:

Letter of applicationCurriculum VitaeTeaching statementA list of three current references, including names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for initial application)

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Ryan Zerr, at ryan.zerr@und.edu.

Additional Information

To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.