The Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor with a specialization in Sustainability starting August 16, 2025. This is a 9-month, full-time, position with full benefits. Teaching Assistant Professor appointments have renewable terms of up to three years, with no limit on the number of terms. These positions are eligible for promotion (e.g., Teaching Assistant Professor to Teaching Associate Professor, etc.); however, promotion to senior ranks is not a requirement for institutional commitment and career stability. The teaching load is four courses or course equivalents per semester.

The Department of Geology and Geography is in the process of transforming itself into a school focused on the physical and social dimensions of global sustainability. The department recently launched two new degrees in sustainability: Earth and Environmental Science (B.S.) and Sustainability Studies (B.A.) that are already attracting significant numbers of new majors. These new undergraduate programs complement 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, 24 graduate teaching assistants, numerous graduate research assistants and several 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.

Responsibilities

We seek an outstanding and dedicated educator who will be responsible for teaching courses in the department’s two new sustainability majors (BS in Earth and Environmental Science and BA in Sustainability Studies). The successful applicant must demonstrate the potential to teach Sustainability courses that may include: Sustainable Earth, Earth System Science, Natural Disasters, Fossils and Evolution, Rocks and Minerals, Geographic Information Systems/Science, and Critical Minerals and/or Biogeography and/or Environmental Geology and/or Log Analysis. The candidate will also contribute to advising and recruitment efforts in the Department and provide high-quality mentorship to undergraduate students. The teaching load is four courses or course equivalents (such as academic advising) per semester.

Qualifications

The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Geology, Geoscience, Environmental Sciences, or Geography with a focus on sustainability. Candidates with an M.S. or M.A in Geology, Geoscience, Environmental Sciences, or Geography will be appointed as a Teaching Instructor with the expectation of completion of the PhD within one semester of appointment. In addition, the candidate must have knowledge of undergraduate teaching using advanced pedagogical techniques, including adaptive, student-centered practices; knowledge of assessment-based advancement of curriculum and instruction; demonstrated excellent teaching skills; ability to contribute to undergraduate advising and student success initiatives; ability to develop new courses; excellent written and oral communication skills; and excellent interpersonal skills.

Application:

To apply, please visit WVU Careers. Upload the following: 1) a curriculum vitae; 2) an application letter that discusses experience in the classroom (as an instructor or GTA); 3) teaching statement; 4) unofficial transcript; 5) list of 3-5 references with complete contact information; and 6) any student evaluation of instruction or external evaluation of instruction.

The screening process will begin November 30, 2024 continue until the position is filled. For more information, please visit geo.wvu.edu or contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Amy Weislogel (amy.weislogel@mail.wvu.edu).

WVU is a R1 research land grant university located within 90 minutes of Pittsburgh and 3.5 hours from the Washington/Baltimore area. Morgantown has been recognized as one of the most livable small cities in the U.S. There are extensive recreational opportunities, excellent public schools, and a supportive University environment in which to develop a visible and productive career. The WVU Dual Career Program is available to assist candidates with suitable employment opportunities for spouses or partners.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and received an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

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Teaching Assistant Professor of Sustainability