Assistant Professor, Atmospheric Science - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (6003)

Position Description Summary

The Department of Geographic and Atmospheric Sciences at Northern Illinois University invites applicants for a tenure-track position in Atmospheric Science at the rank of Assistant Professor starting in August 2021 (http://employment.niu.edu/postings/54699). The Department is seeking an atmospheric scientist or physical geographer with expertise in meteorology/climatology and an ability to integrate risk modeling using machine learning, statistics, and other data-driven techniques with output from numerical climate or weather modeling.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of meteorology undergraduates in the department’s B.S. meteorology program as well as teach and mentor geography students at the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. levels. Student engagement is a key component to NIU’s mission. As such, the desired candidate will aid in the development of unique learning opportunities that enhance STEM education and outreach. The Department is particularly interested in candidates that can develop coursework in applied atmospheric science using machine learning, statistics, and other forms of data analytics. The successful candidate will be expected to make research contributions in one or more of the following areas: weather analysis and forecasting, machine learning and other applications of artificial intelligence, numerical climate or weather modeling, geospatial techniques and analysis, applied meteorology or climatology, and/or water resources. Applied and interdisciplinary science is central to the Department and its programs; the candidate should be able to bridge atmospheric science and societal vulnerability assessments, from short-term predictions of weather hazard impacts to long-term projections of climate change and socioeconomic trends.

The successful candidate is expected to seek external funding in support of scholarship. The Department has exceptional facilities to support established strengths in GIS and mapping science, soils, hydrology, urban/economic geography, and applied atmospheric science. Preference will be given to persons who can demonstrate a willingness to collaborate, in both research and teaching, with faculty in the Department, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Institute for the Study of Environment, Sustainability, and Energy. The candidate is expected to integrate his/her research program with an existing private company partnership focused on weather perils via the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability ( NICCS ) hub, which is a new, leading-edge campus research center focusing on innovative solutions to sustainability.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in atmospheric science, computer science, geography, or related field by time of appointment.

A record of publications in respected peer-reviewed academic journals.

Evidence of strong research skills and commitment to quality education.

Preferred Qualifications

Significant experience in programming, data visualization, machine learning, statistics, and/or other data-driven techniques.

Evidence of applied and/or interdisciplinary research experience, with skill in integrating risk assessment and data analytics techniques with observed data or numerical model output.

Evidence of high-quality teaching and experiential learning engagement with diverse students at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

Prior grant writing experience.

Hiring Rate/Range
Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Working Hours

Posting Date
12/14/2020
Closing Date

Priority Review Date
01/15/2021
Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications must include (1) a letter of interest; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) the names and email addresses of at least three references. Optional materials include (1) evidence of teaching effectiveness; (2) evidence of grantsmanship. Applications must be submitted electronically to this link, http://employment.niu.edu/postings/54699. Review will commence for completed applications received by January 15, 2021 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. NIU values diversity in its faculty, staff and student body. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community strongly encourages applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity. Questions may be sent via email to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Walker Ashley at washley@niu.edu.

Link to Department Homepage

Physical Demands

Background Check Required
Yes
EEO Statement

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Education ( AAEOE ) at ada@niu.edu .

Clery Act Information

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.

Quick Link
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/54699
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. List of at least 3 References
4. Other

Optional Documents

1. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness