Assistant Professor - Department of Geology and Geography, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

The Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University invites applicants for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Sustainability whose research explores or advances sustainable communities. The candidate will join a vibrant transdisciplinary department whose faculty and students are working across the social, environmental and earth sciences. The ideal candidate's area of specialization will allow them to contribute to research in sustainable development and teach courses such as Global Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Urban Sustainability, Sustainable Planning and Development, Sustainable Governance, Climate and Environmental Justice and/or a graduate seminar to serve our MA and PhD programs in Geography. In addition to the potential for teaching excellence, we seek applicants with capacity to become strong mentors to attract undergraduate and graduate students exploring career pathways in sustainability.

In Fall 2023, the Department launched two new undergraduate programs in Sustainability Studies (BA) and Earth and Environmental Science (BS). These new programs complement long standing offerings in Geography, Geology, and Environmental Geoscience along with an MA and PhD in Geography, MS and PhD in Geology, MS in Geospatial Science and a graduate certificate program in GIS and Spatial Analysis.

Faculty in the Department of Geology and Geography teach thousands of students, maintain highly active externally funded research programs, and provide service to the state, Appalachian Region, and the world. The department currently supports 21 faculty, 34 graduate teaching assistants, 36 graduate research assistants and two graduate fellows. The department has outstanding geospatial science teaching and research facilities, hosts the WV GIS Technical Center and WVU Center for Resilient Communities and is housed in its own extensively renovated Brooks Hall on the Downtown campus of WVU.

WVU is a comprehensive land-grant university that enrolls 29,000 students. It is classified as R1 "highest research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation. The Morgantown campus is situated along the Monongahela River and Rail Trail and within 10 miles of Coopers Rock State Forest, and is within easy traveling distance of Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, PA, and Cleveland and Columbus, OH. Morgantown is a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly community. WVU provides faculty members with a supportive environment for developing a visible and productive career (https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/new-employees). WVU also offers a Dual Career Program to assist partners in their career transition and job search.

The area of concentration is open, but we encourage scholars with expertise in sustainable development, environmental justice, urban, regional, community planning, climate action, political ecology, disasters/hazards, energy-food-water nexus, the urban-to-rural interface, or community-based research to advance more resilient futures. Candidates will hold a PhD in Geography, Sustainability Science/Studies, Development Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies or a cognate field at the time of appointment. In addition to the potential for teaching excellence, we seek applicants who can contribute to pedagogical innovation in sustainability, mentor students, and foster a welcoming sustainability program. Candidates with experience in collaborative, public or community-engaged research are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates selected for in-person interviews will be expected to present separate talks on their teaching and research portfolios.

To apply for this position, please submit: a) a letter of application outlining your relevant experience for this position; b) your curriculum vitae; c) a teaching statement in sustainability that includes how you will contribute to pedagogical innovation in sustainability, mentor diverse students and foster an inclusive sustainability program; d) contact information for at least three references. Finalists will be asked to send letters of recommendation to the search committee chair. This position is open until filled.

The screening process will begin on April 26, 2024, and continue as long as the position remains posted. The start day is August 16, 2024. For further information, contact Dr. Brent McCusker, at . However, please note that only applications submitted through https://careers.wvu.edu can be considered.

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU's academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.