Assistant Professor of Geography

Description

The Department of Geosciences in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Geography to start in August 2024. This is a standard nine-month faculty appointment.

We seek an outstanding individual with knowledge in geospatial data science and skills in field-based research using state-of-the-art methods, such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), photogrammetry, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and geographic information systems/science (GIS), and expertise that supports some combination of the university’s three signature research areas (https://arkansasresearch.uark.edu/signature-research-areas/). Of particular interest would be candidates who apply one or more of these research areas to specific problems in the broadly defined geosciences, such as land-change dynamics, physical geography, human-environment interactions, and/or other areas of applied geography. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent, externally funded research program and complement ongoing collaborative and interdisciplinary research in the department, college, and university. Teaching duties may include GNSS and its application in the field and integration with other systems, geospatial analytics, GIScience and related topics, remote sensing, and/or upper division undergraduate or graduate courses in the candidate's field of interest.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

About the Department
The Department of Geosciences is an interdisciplinary program composed of faculty in Geography and Geology, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in geography, geology, Earth science, and geosciences (https://geosciences.uark.edu/). The candidate will also work closely with the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies (CAST; https://cast.uark.edu/), where many of the Department of Geosciences faculty are affiliated. CAST is housed within the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas (https://fulbright.uark.edu/) and focuses on multidisciplinary applications of geospatial technologies in research, teaching, and service. With partners at the university, state, national and international level, CAST offers students, faculty, and the public opportunities to learn about and use geospatial technologies.

Minimum Qualifications
With submitted materials, the candidate must demonstrate

• A doctoral degree in geography or a related discipline from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by the start of appointment.
• A demonstrated ability to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• A demonstrated ability to develop an independent, externally funded research program.

Preferred Qualifications

• An active research agenda that includes strong technical geography, field-based methods, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), photogrammetric techniques, and/or geographic information systems/science (GIS).
• A commitment to mentoring undergraduate, honors, and/or graduate students, including serving on or directing thesis committees and senior papers, etc.
• Interest or demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and/or cross-campus collaborations.
• Commitment to building an excellent scholarly environment through teaching, mentoring, research, outreach, and service.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective undergraduate and graduate classes that complement the current course catalog.
• Demonstrated evidence of strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstration of collegiality and ability to excel in collaborative environments.
• Evidence of ability to provide service to the university and the profession.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Current knowledge and skills required for the collection, representation, and analysis of geographic data.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Completed applications received by January 2, 2024, will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position. Review of applications will begin in early January 2024 and the position will remain open until filled.

For additional inquiries, please contact the search committee chair, Brad Peter, at bradp@uark.edu.

For a complete position announcement and information regarding how to apply, visit https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UASYS/job/Assistant-Professor-of-Geography_R0047876.

Applicants must submit

1. a curriculum vitae,
2. a cover letter/letter of application that addresses research/teaching/service experience and goals, and
3. a list of three professional references (name, title, email address, and phone number) willing to provide letters of recommendation if requested during the application process. Letters of recommendation will be requested only for candidates selected for interviews.

Annual Salary/Benefits Package: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

EMPLOYER INFORMATION

The University of Arkansas: Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

Fulbright College: The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with 3 schools, 16 departments, and 43 academic programs and research centers. The University of Arkansas is committed to providing an educational and work environment in which thought, creativity, and growth are stimulated, and in which individuals are free to realize their full potential. The Fulbright College promotes these ideals and welcomes applicants who foster an inclusive environment through an open exchange of voices and ideas from populations of diverse backgrounds.

The Community: Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas campus, and is known for its spectacular views and ample green spaces. Fayetteville is considered one of the country’s finest college towns, and the surrounding northwest Arkansas region is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Some of the nation’s best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking trails are within a short drive of campus. For more information, visit: https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/ and https://diversitynwa.com/. 

The University of Arkansas is an Affirmative Action/EOE institution committed to achieving diversity in its faculty and staff. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, especially individuals who contribute to diversity of our campus community. The university welcomes applications without regard to race/color, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.