Assistant Professor Of Public Policy Economics/Health Policy

The Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) seeks a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in Public Policy- Economics/Health Policy to conduct research relevant to the ISER mission in the fields of Public Policy or applied microeconomics with a preference for expertise in health and/or public economics.
ISER is the social science and Public Policy research institute for the University of Alaska system, with a 60-year history of high-quality research and public service. ISER researchers are multidisciplinary faculty and research professionals who collaborate with communities and agencies across the state and other Arctic areas to promote data-informed decision-making. Federal, state, local, and tribal public officials, leaders of private businesses and non-governmental organizations, and the media regularly call upon ISER researchers for insight into legislative and regulatory issues impacting the people and economy of Alaska.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a highly visible research program relevant to the ISER mission, including the acquisition of external funding. The successful candidate is expected to disseminate their research through peer-reviewed journals and ISER's research publications. Further, they are expected to communicate the policy implications of their research to government officials, industry and non-profit sector representatives, the media, and the general public. The position will be a joint appointment between ISER and the UAA Department of Public Policy and Administration. ISER faculty have research-heavy workloads and typically teach up to one class per semester. Courses could include offerings in the College's MPP or MPA programs, Department of Economics, or other areas aligned with the candidate's experience and expertise. It is expected that the candidate will have a one-semester course buy-out as they develop a research agenda aligned with the ISER mission.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. or equivalent experience in economics, Public Policy, or a closely related field with an interest in applied research. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong empirical research skills, including expertise in data acquisition and management, generation and testing of hypotheses, applied statistical methods and quantitative model building, as well as the ability to design empirical investigations to evaluate public policies and programs. The successful candidate must also demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, teaching ability, and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Position Details:

This is a full-time, tenure-track position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, faculty time off, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. 

Review of applicants will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration you must apply by Thursday, December 28, 2023, 11:55pm AKST.

Application Procedure

Candidates must submit:

1. A cover letter addressing:

   1. General educational background and experience.

   2. Interest in, and experience conducting economic research to address economic and policy issues relevant to Alaska.

   3. Experience in outreach to elected officials, representatives of government agencies, the business community, non-profit organizations, and the general public.

   4. Any other relevant training and experience.

2. Curriculum vitae.

3. A writing sample demonstrating the ability to conduct rigorous empirical economic research and effectively communicate results.

4. A graduate school transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review but final transcripts must be provided before a final decision is made).

5. Diversity Statement (for reference, the UAA Diversity Statement can be found here https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/diversity/)

6. Teaching Statement (including teaching evaluations or evidence of teaching effectiveness, if available).

7. Names and contact information for three professional references.

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC). http://www.unitedacademics.net/

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kevin Berry, Associate Professor of Economics, at kberry13@alaska.edu or 907-786-4185 or Marie Lowe, Associate Professor of Public Policy, at mlowe@alaska.edu  or 907-786-6534.