The University of Oregon currently has multiple department-specific Pro Tem open pools for temporary instructors, lecturers, research staff and postdoctoral scholars. Applications are generally reviewed as academic or funded-project needs arise, and individual pools currently have closing dates extending into 2027.
University of Oregon Pro Tem Open Pools: How They Work
The University of Oregon uses Faculty Pro Tempore applicant pools to recruit candidates for limited-duration academic positions that may arise during the year.
Rather than opening a completely new recruitment every time a department needs an instructor, research assistant or postdoctoral scholar, UO may establish an open pool of qualified applicants. Departments can then consider candidates when enrollment changes, temporary teaching needs, new grants or other project requirements create a vacancy.
UO Human Resources states that Pro Tem pools may be used for instructional, clinical and research positions, including postdoctoral scholars.
Examples of Current University of Oregon Pro Tem Pools
The following examples were active when CareerAidHub last verified the University of Oregon careers system. This is not an exhaustive list, and candidates should search the live UO Careers portal for the latest openings.
| Department / Programme | Pool Type | Current Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | Pro Tem Instructor | 14 August 2027 |
| Earth Sciences | Pro Tem Instructor | 14 August 2027 |
| Planning, Public Policy & Management | Instructor / Lecturer | 11 August 2027 |
| Anthropology | Pro Tem Instructor | 7 August 2027 |
| Physics | Pro Tem Instructor | 24 July 2027 |
| School of Journalism & Communication — Eugene | Instructor / Professor of Practice | 7 July 2027 |
| Special Education & Clinical Sciences | Instructor / Lecturer | 30 June 2027 |
| Institute of Ecology & Evolution | Research Faculty / Postdoc | 31 March 2027 |
| IROCE | Research Assistant / Associate / Postdoc | 28 February 2027 |
| Oregon Law | Pro Tempore Instructor | 21 January 2027 |
What Types of Positions Can Be Filled?
The exact ranks available depend on the department. Current University of Oregon Pro Tem postings include instructional and research appointments such as:
- Instructor;
- Lecturer;
- Professor of Practice;
- Clinical Instructor or Supervisor;
- Research Assistant;
- Research Scientist;
- Research Associate;
- Postdoctoral Scholar; and
- other limited-duration research or academic positions.
Pro Tem instructional faculty may teach undergraduate or graduate courses depending on the programme. Research pools may support grant-funded projects, laboratories, institutes and specialized research centers.
Eligibility and Minimum Qualifications
There is no single University-wide degree requirement for all Pro Tem appointments.
Minimum qualifications depend on rank, discipline and the actual work being performed.
| Example | Current Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Psychology Pro Tem Instructor | Master’s degree in Psychology or closely related field |
| Anthropology Pro Tem Instructor | Master’s degree plus relevant postsecondary instructional experience |
| IE² Research Assistant | Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field |
| IE² Research Associate | PhD in Biology or related field |
| IE² Postdoctoral Scholar | PhD in Biology or related field |
| Sports Product Management Instructor | Relevant master’s degree; substantial industry experience may substitute in limited circumstances |
Applicants should therefore evaluate eligibility against the exact posting rather than assuming that a master’s or doctoral degree automatically qualifies them for every UO Pro Tem pool.
Appointment Length and Renewal
Pro Tem appointments are limited-duration positions and have specified end dates.
Appointment length depends on the specific instructional or research need. A department may require someone for a course, an academic term, a funded project or a longer temporary assignment.
Many current University of Oregon postings state that Pro Tem appointments may potentially be renewed for up to a total of three years, depending on programme need, funding and performance.
Salary and Benefits
There is no single pay rate for University of Oregon Pro Tem appointments.
Current postings state that compensation may depend on factors such as:
- faculty or research rank;
- education and professional qualifications;
- relevant experience;
- appointment FTE;
- department or programme;
- available grant or programme funding; and
- specific duties.
Eligible employees may have access to University of Oregon benefits including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off, depending on the appointment and eligibility rules.
Application Documents
Application requirements vary between pools.
Many current instructional pools request only a current CV or résumé and professional-reference information. Some research pools require additional materials such as a cover letter describing the candidate’s research experience and preferred appointment rank.
Do not automatically submit teaching statements, research statements, sample syllabi or other materials unless the relevant University of Oregon listing requests them.
How to Apply for University of Oregon Pro Tem Jobs
- Open the official University of Oregon Careers portal.
- Search for “Pro Tem” or “Pro Tempore.” Review the currently active pools rather than relying on an older saved vacancy.
- Select the relevant department and rank. Research and instructional qualifications can differ substantially.
- Check the pool closing date. Each pool has its own recruitment period.
- Review the minimum requirements carefully. Confirm degree, professional experience, teaching, licensing or technical requirements.
- Prepare only the requested documents. Follow the individual posting’s Special Instructions to Applicants.
- Submit through the UO Careers system.
- Keep your contact information current. Departments may review candidates later when an actual instructional or funded research need develops.
CareerAidHub Applicant Guidance
Treat every pool as a separate application
A generic application to several unrelated departments is unlikely to communicate fit effectively. Match your CV and requested materials to the specific teaching or research area.
Do not assume that “open pool” means an immediate vacancy
UO uses pools partly to prepare for future needs. A strong candidate may remain in the applicant pool until enrollment, funding or a project creates a suitable opening.
Research applicants should select the correct rank
Some pools contain Research Assistant, Research Associate and Postdoctoral Scholar classifications in one recruitment. Degree requirements and duties differ between ranks.
Check the posting again before submitting
Because pools are replaced periodically, confirm that the job number, deadline and requirements remain current before completing the application.
Researchers and faculty applicants can also explore CareerAidHub’s faculty positions, postdoctoral opportunities, and research jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are University of Oregon Pro Tem pools currently open?
Yes. Multiple department-specific instructional and research Pro Tem pools are currently accepting applications, with several current pools extending into 2027.
Is there one deadline for all UO Pro Tem applications?
No. Each University of Oregon department or research unit maintains its own pool and closing date.
Does applying to a pool mean there is a current vacancy?
No. Pools allow departments to identify qualified applicants before or when limited-duration needs arise. An application does not guarantee that a vacancy currently exists or that an appointment will be offered.
Do I need a PhD?
Not for every role. Some instructional pools require a master’s degree, some research assistant ranks accept a bachelor’s degree, while research associate and postdoctoral positions may require a PhD.
Are Postdoctoral Scholar positions included?
Yes. Some University of Oregon research Pro Tem pools explicitly include Postdoctoral Scholar appointments.
Do all pools require a cover letter?
No. Application documents vary. Many current instructional pools request a CV and references, while some research pools additionally request a cover letter.
What salary do Pro Tem faculty receive?
There is no single University-wide Pro Tem salary. Compensation varies by rank, appointment, qualifications, experience and funding.
Where are these positions located?
Many opportunities are based in Eugene, while some programmes operate in Portland. Remote or hybrid arrangements should only be assumed when the individual posting explicitly permits them.
Official University of Oregon Sources
| Institution | University of Oregon |
|---|---|
| Opportunity | Faculty Pro Tempore Open Pools |
| Current status | Multiple pools open |
| Application basis | Continuous / as departmental needs arise for many pools |
| Single common deadline | No |
| Position types | Instructional, clinical, research and postdoctoral |
| Primary locations | Eugene and Portland, Oregon |
| Last verified | 19 September 2026 |
Search the University of Oregon Careers portal for “Pro Tem” or “Pro Tempore” before applying. Pool availability, qualifications and deadlines can change as annual recruitments are replaced.








