Instructor Jobs at University of California Merced with Visa Sponsorship
Instructor roles at University of California Merced span academic departments across a growing research university in California's Central Valley. UC Merced has an established process for sponsoring international faculty and educators, making it a realistic target if you're building a teaching career in the U.S. on a work visa.
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INTRODUCTION
The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) at PACE (Professional and Continuing Education) invites applications for part-time PK-3 Instructors to teach in the Preliminary PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential Program. Instructors will facilitate coursework in a hybrid format, including online synchronous instruction via Zoom and in-person classes held in the San Joaquin Valley region.
PK-3 Instructors prepare future early childhood educators to implement developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive instruction for children in preschool through grade three. Instruction will be aligned with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) PK-3 ECE Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) and program standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of three years of PK-3 classroom teaching experience in a public or private setting.
- Current knowledge of the content relevant to early childhood and PK-3 teaching.
- Knowledge of the current context of public schooling, including California’s adopted P-12 content standards, frameworks, and accountability systems.
- Knowledge of diversity in society, including diverse abilities, culture, language, ethnicity, and gender orientation.
- Demonstration of effective professional practices in teaching and learning, scholarship, and service.
- Demonstrated knowledge of California's Preschool Learning Foundations, CA ELA/ELD and Math Frameworks, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Ability to facilitate learning in both online synchronous and in-person instructional formats.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
- Experience in teacher education or adult learning.
- Familiarity with the California Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) and PK-3 credentialing requirements.
- Bilingual proficiency (especially in Spanish) is highly desirable.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.
- Statement of Teaching
- Unofficial Transcripts - Highest level of completion
Reference requirements 3 required (contact information only)
Help contact: aprecruit@ucmerced.edu
ABOUT UC MERCED
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.
Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.
Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
JOB LOCATION
Merced, CA, or hybrid or remote
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.
The University of California is an 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, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

INTRODUCTION
The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) at PACE (Professional and Continuing Education) invites applications for part-time PK-3 Instructors to teach in the Preliminary PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential Program. Instructors will facilitate coursework in a hybrid format, including online synchronous instruction via Zoom and in-person classes held in the San Joaquin Valley region.
PK-3 Instructors prepare future early childhood educators to implement developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive instruction for children in preschool through grade three. Instruction will be aligned with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) PK-3 ECE Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) and program standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of three years of PK-3 classroom teaching experience in a public or private setting.
- Current knowledge of the content relevant to early childhood and PK-3 teaching.
- Knowledge of the current context of public schooling, including California’s adopted P-12 content standards, frameworks, and accountability systems.
- Knowledge of diversity in society, including diverse abilities, culture, language, ethnicity, and gender orientation.
- Demonstration of effective professional practices in teaching and learning, scholarship, and service.
- Demonstrated knowledge of California's Preschool Learning Foundations, CA ELA/ELD and Math Frameworks, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Ability to facilitate learning in both online synchronous and in-person instructional formats.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
- Experience in teacher education or adult learning.
- Familiarity with the California Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) and PK-3 credentialing requirements.
- Bilingual proficiency (especially in Spanish) is highly desirable.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.
- Statement of Teaching
- Unofficial Transcripts - Highest level of completion
Reference requirements 3 required (contact information only)
Help contact: aprecruit@ucmerced.edu
ABOUT UC MERCED
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.
Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.
Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
JOB LOCATION
Merced, CA, or hybrid or remote
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.
The University of California is an 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, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Instructor Jobs at University of California Merced Jobs
Align Your Degree to the Teaching Field
UC Merced Instructor postings typically require a degree in the subject you'll teach. Before applying, confirm your credential maps directly to the listed discipline, since H-1B specialty occupation approval depends on that field-to-role match.
Target Departments With Recurring Instructor Openings
UC Merced posts Instructor roles across engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Browse open Instructor positions by department on Migrate Mate to identify which academic units hire internationally on a recurring basis.
Prepare Your Credential Equivalency Documentation Now
If your degree was earned outside the U.S., get a course-by-course credential evaluation from a NACES-approved service before you apply. USCIS requires this for H-1B petitions, and delays in obtaining it can push back your start date by weeks.
Understand the H-1B Cap-Exempt Advantage
As a public university, UC Merced qualifies as a cap-exempt employer under USCIS rules. That means H-1B petitions can be filed at any time of year without waiting for the April lottery, which is a concrete structural advantage for Instructor hires.
Account for DOL Prevailing Wage in Your Negotiation
UC Merced must file a Labor Condition Application with the DOL certifying your salary meets prevailing wage for the Instructor role and location. Research UC system salary scales in advance so your compensation expectations align with what the LCA will require.
Instructor at University of California Merced jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Instructor at University of California Merced JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does University of California Merced sponsor H-1B visas for Instructors?
Yes. UC Merced sponsors H-1B visas for Instructor roles and qualifies as a cap-exempt institution under USCIS rules, since it is a public university primarily engaged in education. This means petitions can be filed year-round without entering the annual lottery, giving international candidates a more predictable path to securing status before a semester start date.
Which visa types are commonly used for Instructor roles at University of California Merced?
H-1B is the most common work visa for Instructor positions at UC Merced, covering full-time and recurring teaching roles that qualify as specialty occupations. TN status is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals whose field appears on the USMCA occupation list. F-1 OPT and CPT can bridge early-career candidates while a longer-term petition is prepared, and EB-2 or EB-3 immigrant visas are used for permanent positions moving toward a Green Card.
How do I apply for Instructor jobs at University of California Merced?
Applications go through UC Merced's official careers portal, where Instructor postings list required qualifications, department contacts, and application materials. Most postings require a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, and reference contacts. To find Instructor openings that include visa sponsorship, browse UC Merced's active listings on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for roles open to international candidates.
What qualifications does UC Merced typically expect for Instructor positions?
Most Instructor roles at UC Merced require at least a master's degree in the relevant subject area, with a doctorate preferred for upper-division or research-adjacent courses. Teaching experience at the college level strengthens your application significantly. Some departments also look for demonstrated experience with diverse student populations, which is relevant at UC Merced given its Hispanic-Serving Institution designation.
How do I plan my timeline if I need H-1B sponsorship to start an Instructor role?
Because UC Merced is cap-exempt, H-1B petitions can be filed any time, but USCIS standard processing runs roughly three to six months. Premium processing shortens that to around 15 business days. Factor in time for the Labor Condition Application, credential evaluation, and internal HR processing. Aim to have an offer in hand at least four to five months before your intended start date to avoid gaps in your authorization.
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