The Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) is pleased to announce that teaching faculty applications are open for the summer 2027 Undergraduate Field Course. JIRP student participants complete an educational traverse of the Juneau Icefield, learning both how to move safely through the mountains and how to research and understand glaciated systems. Teaching faculty are volunteers excited to implement the JIRP curriculum through lectures, workshops, field-based activities, and research projects (juneauicefield.org/faculty). 

Our core curriculum (juneauicefield.org/students/curriculum) includes glaciology, glacial geology, climate science, and science communication, as well as complementary fields like atmospheric science, alpine ecology, biogeochemistry, geomorphology, tectonics, polar engineering, science policy, and other related disciplines. Many of our faculty are professors, but we also accept applications from advanced graduate students, professionals working in science-related fields, artists and science communicators, and others. Typically, teaching faculty join the course for a two-week block, with different blocks offering different access to glacial and periglacial features and related teaching opportunities (juneauicefield.org/field-season/block-schedule). 

Faculty should be prepared for full days of challenging physical activity, as well as a required safety training covering basic mountaineering and crevasse rescue skills, to ensure they can safely navigate the Icefield with students. We strive to assemble faculty cohorts with a mixture of academic expertise, existing skillsets in glaciated environments, and prior experience with the program. JIRP covers all expenses for teaching faculty once they arrive, including food, lodging, and helicopter flights; we also provide a modest travel stipend.

We are opening applications early this year to accommodate southern hemisphere field season timelines. Applications are due for priority consideration on Friday, January 8th, 2027 and include several short-answer questions, two letters of recommendation for applicants new to the program, and the potential for a short interview. For more information about JIRP, our curriculum, expectations of teaching faculty, and logistics, please visit juneauicefield.org. You can find the application at juneauicefield.org/faculty/application. Feel free to contact our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions. We look forward to receiving your application!