Required Qualifications:
- Masters Degree
- Record of excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduates
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD or equivalent terminal degree
- Experience developing and leading high-impact educational programming
- Experience preparing and mentoring undergraduate students for research experiences
- Experience with interdisciplinary and high ability student populations
The University Honors Program (UHP) is seeking applications for two full-time Teaching Specialists to join our staff. These are annually renewable non tenure-track 10-month positions, which will require at least 3 days a week of on-campus work. These positions will teach courses for the 2400+ students in the University Honors Program, who span all the undergraduate colleges of the University of Minnesota. Honors Teaching Specialists will teach, on average, two or three sections per semester of the one-credit HCOL 3101H: The Honors Thesis - Development course, focused on research methods and support for students preparing to write their honors thesis. Additionally, Honors Teaching Specialists will be asked to develop 20 person Honors Seminar courses and NEXUS experiences based on their own academic interests to a cross-disciplinary audience of undergraduate Honors students and teach those each semester.
Hybrid: Requires 3 days a week of on-campus work (August - May)
Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
This is a 10-month appointment, typically aligned with the academic year (generally running from August through May). Please note that the exact start and end dates are subject to change based on departmental needs and operational demands. The ideal search will produce one candidate with a background in a STEM field and one candidate with a background in the humanities or social sciences, enabling UHP to support the broadest range of student interests possible. Candidates who advance to an interview will be asked to submit a draft proposal for an honors seminar for 20 students from a variety of disciplines with no prerequisites that they would teach in Spring.
Job Duties:
Thesis Supporting Course Instruction (35%)
- Teach two or three sections per-semester of HCOL 3101H: The Honors Thesis - Development
- Support registered students in and out of class as they explore research interests, contact potential faculty mentors, conduct literature reviews, and understand research methodologies
- Selectively serve as a reader on thesis committees for undergraduate honors theses
Honors Seminar Instruction (35%)
- Develop and teach at least one Honors Seminar course each year on a topic related to your academic background.
NEXUS Experiences and Academic Programming (20%)
- Lead non-credit bearing co-curricular activities for honors students as part of our NEXUS Experiences (e.g. organize a series of laboratory tours, lead a seminar, take part in experiential learning trips around Minnesota)
- Develop new and innovative NEXUS Experiences
- Organize and assist with programming aimed to assist UHP students, such as panels on graduate school preparation, undergraduate research, student networking events, delivering single lectures to first year students, etc., and other duties as assigned.
Departmental Support (10%)
- Assist with broader UHP programming at events like the Honors Recognition Ceremony or University Research Symposium
- Work with academic departments and campus partners to support Honors students
- Attend UHP staff meetings, retreats, and take part in the Program’s committees
- Other duties as assigned
Mission
UHP seeks to provide our students with a rich environment in which to pursue an enhanced undergraduate experience. To accomplish this, we offer innovative coursework, specialized
advising, a vibrant intellectual community, and unique experiential learning opportunities. These inspire and support our students as they identify, articulate, and overcome the challenges they face as learners and life-long members of a global community.
Vision
UHP is a student-centered place of connection for undergraduate education across the University; a place where our community can come together to innovate, create, lead, and serve; a place that challenges high-ability students to be bold, unconventional thinkers.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].
Priority Deadline: September 18th, 2026
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
