U.S. Air Force Academy

[rocky mountain high]

The Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership (DFBL) anticipates filling two full-time faculty positions at the Assistant Professor level. Candidates must have completed an earned doctorate in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or related fields. The complete list of acceptable PhD disciplines will be included in the formal government job announcement. Candidates should also be willing on a regular basis to teach introductory undergraduate courses in one or more of these disciplines. Responsibilities include undergraduate research mentorship. USAFA is dedicated to the goal of building a pluralistic faculty committed to a multicultural environment that enriches the educational experience of our students. Hence, we are especially interested in candidates whose teaching, life experience and/or research interests contribute to a climate that values and uses diversity in all its forms. Salaries are competitive, include a cost-of-living adjustment, and also cover non-teaching summer months. Interested persons should submit a curriculum vitae, a statement of interest that addresses the ways in which the applicant’s qualifications meet the requirements of the ad, and a listing of at least three references that we may contact later in the review process. Appointment to these positions begins 26 June 2017 and ends 30 June 2020; subsequent re-appointments of up to 4 years in length are possible.



To view the full ad, which includes application instructions, please visit www.usajobs.gov in early to mid-September. You may also email Dr. Michelle Butler at [e-mail] for more information.

[Interested???]

Wondering if anyone has any insight into working at one of the military academies? Academic freedom? Workplace structure, heirarchy, expectations? Dress code? What is the climate like? So curious but have no idea what the expectations are.

[happy to oblige]

I can answer some of this. Here are some of the pros at working at a military service academy: 1.) 12-month paid contracts with very competitive pay 2.) students who have to come to class 3.) high caliber students who want to do well in class because it affects their occupational future in a direct way 4.) small class sizes...our classes typically are around 20 students. On average faculty teach 3-4 sections of the same class so only one prep and, at max, 80-90 students. 5.) family-friendly work environment that allows for flexible child care options. 6.) If you have children, there is subsidized child care available. 6.) If you are interested in doing any research on military members, veterans, etc, being at a military service academy will open up a lot of opportunities. Now for the downside: this is a military academy so the focus is on developing military leaders. Your students will go on to be active duty officers and you will be expected to play a part in their development. If you're uncomfortable with military issues, then this probably isn't your place. Also, most of the leadership (think dean, department chairs, etc.) are senior military officers with Ph.D.s Civilians are about a quarter of the faculty and are there for continuity and subject matter/research expertise. Academic freedom is something that senior leadership in the dean's office take very seriously. I don't know anyone whose research has been censored/controlled. In terms of work, you are expected to come to work every weekday - typically from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Faculty availability is a big deal so if your students want to meet with you during the work day, then it's expected that you will accommodate that request. Dress code is business casual - no suits, but khakis, slacks, skirts acceptable. If you do apply and get selected for an interview, the hiring committee will do its best to show the unique culture of the place during your visit.

[Thanks "Happy to Oblige"]

Very helpful. I currently work in a medical school so I have very focused, motivated students, 12 month contract, an actual workday, a good amount of academic freedom, etc. We also have several military students - it's actually a recruitment priority for us. Of course they are some of our best students. It's always made me wonder about the academies and I've often thought about working at one. This is some good insight.

[summers?]

Would this position include that job perk of the academy: free summers, save for pushing along the research agenda at one's leisure.

[summer in colorado]

We are on 12-month contracts so we are expected to work during the summer. That said, most faculty use this time to focus almost exclusively on their research and our schedules are completely our own during this time. If preferable, you can work out an agreement to work from home during the summer. In my view, we are just getting paid to do the research and teaching prep that most faculty do over the summer anyways.

[rocky mountain high]

Job link is up! Applications must be received by Nov. 15, 2016.
www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/449277800/

[applicant]

I am thinking about applying for this position, but would like to know a little bit more about what they are looking for. Should we speak to the classes on the course catalog that we feel we could contribute to in the Behavioral Sciences major? Instead of helping undergraduates with research projects, are you trying to help them be better Air Force Leaders? Should we focus on the Air Force motto and goals?

[drone victim]

maybe some of your students will go on to pilot drones when they bomb civilian villages on the other side of the planet.

[OK by me]

Sept 15, 2016 1:01:58 GMT -5 drone victim said:

maybe some of your students will go on to pilot drones when they bomb civilian villages on the other side of the planet.

That would be awesome...I've always loved video games.

[4 more years]

How does the "term" position work at AFA? How do they determine if they will retain you past the initial 4 years?

[rocky mountain high]

We do not have tenure at USAFA, although we do have academic promotions. We are all federal employees on four-year contracts. Ever year we get renewal letters which extend us for another four years. So, for example, this past spring, I got a letter extending my contract through 2020. I'll get another letter next spring extending my contract through 2021. Admittedly, the job ad does not scream "job security", but I do not know anyone who has been let go because their contract was not renewed (of course, there are ways to remove people if they are substandard professors, but that has not been issue). These are permanent gigs.