The Public Health program at the University of Southern Maine invites applications for three part-time faculty positions. We are specifically seeking part-time faculty to teach Health Disparities and Social Justice (BPH 210; undergraduate level) and Environmental Health (MPH 555; graduate level) in Spring 2024. These courses will run from January 16, 2024 to May 3, 2024. We are also seeking a part-time faculty for Field Experience (MPH 698; graduate level), a course which will run during our Summer 2024 session. Responsibilities include teaching, assessing, and meeting with students as needed about the courses. Instruction modality should be either hyflex (simultaneous in person/online) or synchronous online.

Health Disparities and Social Justice (BPH 210): Is health a human right? If so, what role does society have in ensuring that every person has an equal opportunity to health? This course develops students’ understanding of health disparities across social, economic, and cultural groups as well as strategies to reduce those disparities. Students learn how the marginalization of populations based on race, ethnicity, class, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status and other factors affects health behavior and health status. Through a framework of social justice, the course considers how a more equitable distribution of social, economic, and political resources can address the social determinants of health and achieve health equity.

Environmental Health (MPH 555): This course provides students with an extensive introduction to scientific approaches to the investigation and modification of the effects of environmental factors on human health. Contributions of the fields of toxicology and epidemiology and the implications of research findings for policy and regulation are examined. Topic areas include toxic metals, pesticides, and other organic chemicals, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, vector-borne diseases, pollution of air and water, occupational exposures, injuries, and the health effects of global warming. The roles of local, state, and federal governments in environmental health are critically evaluated, as are initiatives by non-governmental organizations.

Field Experience (MPH 698): The Field Experience offers experience-based learning in a healthcare or public health organization. Students work in community health settings in organizations delivering and planning health or public health services on jointly developed projects or on assignments based on the student’s interests and the organization’s needs. Sites include state or local public health agencies, hospitals, medical practices, clinics, special problem clinics and facilities, and environmental programs and services.

The Muskie School of Public Service is Maine’s distinguished public policy school, combining an extensive applied research and technical assistance portfolio with rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in public health; geography-anthropology; tourism and hospitality; policy, planning, and management (MPPM); and fields of sustainable development and health and human service policy and management, and is home to the Cutler Institute for Health and Social Policy. To learn more about the Muskie School click here.

We are seeking student-focused instructors who will have full responsibility for course delivery and grading.

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience. In addition, USM employees can use their USM Card to access the library, Cigna Employee Assistance Plan, and fitness center(s). USM also offers part-time faculty the opportunity for development frequently through our Center for Collaboration and Development (CCD) and the chance to get an online teaching certification and training through CTEL, in addition to other developmental opportunities open to all staff throughout the year.

The University of Southern Maine is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. It embraces an inclusive campus community that values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. Our Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact supports the University of Southern Maine’s DEIA and Community Impact focused departments, committees, groups, projects, training, and events. USM encourages women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.

We live our USM Service Promise: Student Focused Every Day. We are looking for a team member who understands that promise and supports our values: Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity and Responsiveness.

Want to know more about employment, benefits, and local resources? Our Human Resources page has additional information to help you become more familiar with developing a new career at USM as well as exploring everything the greater Southern Maine area has to offer.

The University of Southern Maine (USM) is located in the intellectual, cultural, and economic heart of Maine. Over 60 languages are spoken within an hour’s drive of our three campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston. USM’s three environmentally friendly campuses are unique, yet all share the extensive resources of the university — and all are energized through strong community partnerships. Offering easy access to Boston, plus the ocean, mountains, and forests of coastal, inland, and northern Maine, USM is at the heart of Maine’s most exciting metropolitan region. Our faculty are dedicated researchers and experts in their fields, including multiple recipients of national grants, awards, and fellowships and state, national, and global partnerships are steps from our campuses.

Qualifications:

Candidate must have a master’s degree in public health, environmental health, environmental policy, social justice, environmental science, or closely related fields. Prior experience teaching at the collegiate or graduate level is preferred but not required.

Other Information:

To apply materials must be submitted here: https://usm.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=83015&job=part-time-faculty-public-health-spring-and-summer-2024.

You will create an applicant profile and complete an application and upload a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae, along with the names and contact information of three references. In your cover letter, please indicate which course(s) you are interested in teaching.

We will begin reviewing applications on October 9, 2024.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5748 Boudreau Hall, Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207-581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Required Documents:
Cover Letter, CV/Resume, References