Assistant Professor of Geology/Hydrogeology

Assistant Professor of Geology/Hydrogeology, West Virginia University

The Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor of Geology with a specialization in Hydrogeology starting August 11, 2023. This is a 9-month, full-time, tenure track position with full benefits. Candidates with research applications to sustainability challenges of the 21st century, and candidates whose research and scholarship support WVU’s land-grant mission are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant must have: 1) a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Earth Science or closely related field such as Geology, Hydrology and Water Resource, or Climatology at the time of appointment; 2) teaching and/or research interest in basic and applied aspects of water science with a focus on physical processes of subsurface flow; 3) research and/or teaching interest in one of the following areas: physical hydrogeology, fluid flow modeling, hyporheic or vadose zone processes, groundwater-surface water interaction, flow in fractured media, hillslope hydrogeology, critical zone hydrogeology, groundwater supply and sustainability, contaminant transport, watershed dynamics, ecohydrology, and/or karst hydrogeology; 4) demonstrate the potential for excellent teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels; 5) demonstrate the ability or potential to publish peer-reviewed research and secure external funding for research; 6) show applied or thematic experience that aligns with or expands the expertise of current faculty. The teaching load is two courses or course equivalents per semester. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses including hydrogeology, a course on quantitative methods in the geosciences, and graduate-level courses focused on their specific research interests and expertise.

The Department of Geology and Geography is in the process of transitioning itself into a school focused on the physical and social dimensions of global sustainability. Successful candidates will be joining five other hires in GIS, energy, and sustainability science/studies as we build out this exciting new unit. Faculty in the department secure significant external research funding, teach thousands of students and provide service to the state, Appalachian region, and the world. The department currently supports 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 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.

To apply for this position, visit WVU Careers and upload the following documents: 1) a letter of application that speaks to WVU’s land grant mission; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a teaching statement that includes how you will contribute to pedagogical innovation and mentor students; 4) a research statement; 5) unofficial transcripts; 6) a list of at least three references. Finalist will be asked for additional information including letters of recommendation. The screening process will begin December 15, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please visit our website www.geo.wvu.edu or contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Kathleen Benison at kathleen.benison@mail.wvu.edu.

WVU is an Equal Opportunity employer and 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 individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.