Assistant Professor Jobs in Portland, OR
Assistant Professor jobs in Portland, Oregon cluster around the University District, the inner eastside, and the South Park Blocks, where higher education and research institutions drive demand in the humanities, sciences, and professional programs. Employers hiring right now include Oregon Health & Science University, Willamette University, and University of Portland. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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INTRODUCTION
The Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We seek an innovative early-career investigator whose research bridges two or more of the department's established strengths (described under Research and Training Environment, below) and advances understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying disorders of motivated behavior (including addiction).
Candidates with a focus on additional neuropsychiatric disorders and related behaviors will also be considered. The successful candidate will establish an independent and externally funded research program while contributing to OHSU's collaborative neuroscience research and training environment.
FUNCTION/DUTIES OF POSITION
- Establish and maintain an innovative, independent, and externally funded research program.
- Develop and submit competitive applications for NIH and other extramural funding.
- Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international scientific meetings.
- Develop and foster collaborative research relationships within the department and across OHSU.
- Mentor and supervise graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and other trainees.
- Participate in the teaching and training missions of the department and associated graduate programs.
- Serve on graduate student committees, dissertation committees, and other academic committees.
- Contribute to NIH-supported training programs and other workforce development activities.
- Participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities.
- Engage in professional development through scientific societies, editorial activities, study sections, and other scholarly activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Chair in furtherance of the university's missions and goals.
RESEARCH AND TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
The Department of Behavioral Neuroscience maintains nationally recognized strengths in:
- neural circuits and systems underlying behavior
- addiction and substance use disorders
- neurobiology of brain disorders
- cognitive neuroscience
- aging and developmental neuroscience
- behavioral genetics.
Sophisticated behavioral, cellular and molecular neuroscience methods are applied. The department supports a robust portfolio of NIH-funded research and maintains collaborations across OHSU, including partnerships with the Vollum Institute, VA Portland Health Care System, Oregon National Primate Research Center, and other neuroscience-focused departments, institutes and scientists.
The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative environment that includes three NIH-funded training grants and the Portland Alcohol Research Center (PARC), which has maintained continuous NIH support for more than three decades. These programs provide exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and trainee development.
Candidates whose research complements existing departmental strengths, possess expertise with emerging technologies and computational approaches, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and focus on translation to human behavioral health are especially encouraged to apply.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. degree in neuroscience or a relevant discipline
- Appropriate postdoctoral research experience
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publications
- Evidence of scientific excellence and potential for establishing an independent research program, including obtaining competitive extramural funding
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
To Apply
Applicants should submit a single PDF file containing a cover letter, CV, and a 3-page (maximum) statement of research interests to Kris Thomason at thomason@ohsu.edu.
The position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Reviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Letters of reference may be requested during the review process.
BENEFITS
- Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
- $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
- Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
- Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
- Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
- 9 paid holidays per year.
- Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Childcare service discounts.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Employee discounts to local and major businesses.
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu.
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Find Assistant Professor JobsAssistant Professor Job Market in Portland
Who's Hiring
- Oregon Health & Science University25

- Willamette University1

- University of Portland1

- Portland State University1

- George Fox University - Faculty1G
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
Assistant Professor Jobs in Portland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a assistant professor job in Portland?
Portland's assistant professor market centers on its cluster of universities, community colleges, and research-oriented institutions along the South Park Blocks and the University District. Candidates who stand out tend to have active research agendas, a record of teaching in high-demand fields like nursing, engineering, or data science, and familiarity with Portland's strong community-engaged scholarship culture. Applying early in the academic hiring cycle and connecting with department networks at local institutions gives a real edge.
Which companies hire assistant professors in Portland?
Portland assistant professor roles are posted by Oregon Health & Science University, Willamette University, and University of Portland and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring comes from a mix of public universities, private liberal arts colleges, and community college districts spread across the Portland metro.
Are there remote assistant professor jobs in Portland?
Yes, though only partially, since assistant professor work combines on-campus teaching, office hours, and committee service with research and course prep that can be done anywhere. About 0% of assistant professor openings tied to Portland are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with online-program faculty roles and adjunct-to-tenure-track positions leading the remote share. Lab-heavy, clinical, and studio-based appointments almost always require an on-site presence in Portland.
How can I get a assistant professor job in Portland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Portland is a visiting assistant professor or postdoctoral teaching fellow position, which several Portland-area institutions use to bring in early-career scholars before opening tenure-track lines. Community colleges in the metro, including Portland Community College, regularly hire instructors with a master's degree and practitioner background in vocational and professional fields. Building a teaching portfolio, presenting at Pacific Northwest regional conferences, and making contact with department chairs before searches open all improve your standing locally.
Which industries hire the most assistant professors in Portland?
Portland assistant professor roles concentrate in Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Portland's identity as a hub for sustainability research, health sciences, and the arts drives hiring across both research universities and specialized professional schools in those fields.
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