Two Assistant Professors: Hydrosphere, Structural Geology

Two Assistant Professors: Hydrosphere, Structural Geology

Occidental College

Department of Geology

Assistant Professor

Fall 2023

The Department of Geology at Occidental College invites applications for two tenure track Assistant Professors of Geology with appointment to begin Fall 2023. 

Positions

The Department of Geology at Occidental College invites applications for two tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning August 2023. We seek colleagues with expertise in 1) the hydrosphere, including but not limited to the interaction of water (including snow, ice, and oceans) with climate, critical zone and atmospheric, lithospheric and surface process, and 2) structural geology and tectonics, especially the deformation of continental crust. Preference will be given to candidates that apply innovative and quantitative approaches to investigating water and structural/tectonic systems across temporal and spatial scales, through some combination of fieldwork, computational modeling, remote sensing, analysis of large datasets, and laboratory analysis. The expertise of a successful candidate will complement departmental strengths and have potential to enhance departmental connections with other science programs on campus and across the greater Los Angeles region. 

Occidental faculty are committed teacher-scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms, labs, and mentored research projects and Senior theses. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments, advise students, carry out research and creative work, and provide departmental, college-wide, and external service. In this position, your primary responsibilities will include the development and teaching of introductory and core courses in the discipline, and courses in your area(s) of specialization. You will also be responsible for producing scholarship commensurate with the requirements for tenure and will be expected to develop a sustainable and externally funded research program that engages undergraduate students. You will also contribute to and participate in the life and development of the department, advise students, serve on committees, and participate in the broader college and disciplinary communities.

Applications should include statements of research interests in the context of a liberal arts college and teaching philosophy that includes a discussion of demonstrated commitment to, past evidence of, and future plans for creating equitable opportunities for learning and mentoring especially for underrepresented students. Candidates should specifically address their ability to 1) teach in a socioeconomically, ethnically and culturally diverse environment, and 2) engage students in an innovative and externally-funded research program. Review of applications will begin October 14th. Department members will meet interested candidates at the GSA meeting or virtually; please email the Search Committee Chair to make arrangements.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Geology with an emphasis in the Hydrosphere or Structural Geology and Tectonics
• demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching 
• a strong record of scholarly accomplishments appropriate to the level of appointment
• experience in working collaboratively with colleagues 
• demonstrated potential for effective integration of technology into instruction
• demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from minoritized and marginalized social groups
• demonstrated commitment to the four cornerstones of the mission of the College: excellence, equity, community, and service

Application Submission Materials

You must submit a complete application package electronically to be considered. To apply, please send the following required materials to geosearch2022@oxy.edu: 

• Cover Letter in which you respond to the required qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement
• 1-3 representative publications
• Candidate Statement on Commitment to Inclusive Excellence 

This statement provides your unique perspective on your past and present contributions to and future aspirations for promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice in your professional career. This should include your demonstrated commitment to, past evidence of, and future plans for creating equitable opportunities for learning and mentoring especially for students from marginalized and minoritized groups. The purpose of this statement is to help the department identify candidates who have professional experience, intellectual commitments, and/or willingness to engage in activities that could help the College contribute to its mission in these areas.

• List of three references with relevant contact information
  • If you advance to the finalist phase, we will ask each of your three references to submit a letter of recommendation. Do not submit these letters with your initial application.

Please direct all questions about the position to: Darren Larsen at geosearch2022@oxy.edu or call (323) 341-4041.

Application Deadline

To be assured full consideration, application materials must be received by October 14th, 2022.

The Department and College

Occidental is a nationally ranked liberal arts college recognized for its diverse student body and outstanding undergraduate research program.  The mission of Occidental College and that of the Geology Department is to provide a gifted and diverse group of students with a total educational experience of the highest quality—one that prepares them for leadership in an increasingly complex, interdependent and pluralistic world. 

Additional Information

Occidental is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Occidental College and the Geology Department is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community, our field, and our curriculum. We strive to foster an inclusive, equitable, and just environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through their teaching, research, advising, and other activities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Individuals advancing the College’s strategic equity and justice goals and those from groups whose underrepresentation in the American professoriate has been severe and longstanding are particularly encouraged to apply.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Moving expense reimbursement (up to $5000, taxable according to current IRS regulations), start-up funds, and a one-course reduction of teaching load in the first year are provided. A comprehensive benefits package is available that includes: excellent health, dental, life, and retirement benefits; tuition benefits for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and dependents; additional extras including use of gym facilities and the College Library. For a detailed description of benefits, please visit https://www.oxy.edu/offices-services/human-resources/benefits-information.  

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 

Occidental College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with qualifying disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the application or employment process, please contact Human Resources (hr@oxy.edu).