Assistant Professor of Oceanography

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Corning School of Ocean Studies at Maine Maritime Academy seeks applicants for an Assistant Professor of Oceanography. Applications are encouraged from candidates with a strong background in marine geoscience, with expertise in geological oceanography or coastal geology. The successful candidate will enthusiastically embrace working with students in a classroom, field, or laboratory setting, including on a coastal research vessel. Teaching expectations include Physical Geology and Geological Oceanography. Other teaching responsibilities may include Physical Oceanography, Introduction to Ocean Science, and additional courses and electives dependent on the successful candidate’s area of expertise and department needs. Mentoring undergraduates in independent research and full participation in service activities is expected. Candidates with demonstrated teaching excellence, commitment to undergraduate education, and experience in marine geological research, applied marine geology, and coastal marine management are encouraged to apply. Maine Maritime Academy is dedicated to building a diverse campus community and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in oceanography or other marine related field by August, 2021. This is a full-time, eight-month permanent position beginning August, 2021; review of applications will begin March 15, 2021.

 TEACHING

Students in the Ocean Studies program major in Marine Biology, Oceanography, or Coastal and Marine Environmental Science, with the option to pursue a dual major in Small Vessel Operations. The successful candidate for this position will teach students from all majors. This includes teaching lecture and laboratory sections of Physical Geology, an introductory geology course. Additionally, the candidate will teach Geological Oceanography, an upper level, lecture-based course. The ability to teach Physical Oceanography lecture and laboratory is highly desirable. The candidate may also teach lecture and laboratory sections of Introduction to Oceanography and Environmental Science for Ocean Studies majors, Introduction to Ocean Science for non-majors, as well as Preparation for Senior Research and Senior Research Project for Ocean Studies students. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop electives based on their expertise. Responsibilities include preparing teaching materials, developing and administering student assessments, revising or designing new laboratory exercises, and practicing laboratory safety. The candidate will work with faculty in the Ocean Studies department, as well as in other departments, to integrate and evolve program curricula. 

SERVICE & SCHOLARSHIP

Maine Maritime Academy service includes, but is not limited to, service on Faculty Senate, Academy, and departmental committees. Student advising outside of the classroom is expected; this includes advising students regarding academic, curricular, and career matters. Professional service can include application of academic and professional expertise to serve one’s profession, the community, the state, the nation, or the world. Scholarship and continued professional development is expected. Scholarship enables individuals to remain current in the knowledge, skills, and pedagogy of their disciplines.

OTHER ASPECTS OF FACULTY PERFORMANCE

Collegiality, as well as professional and ethical conduct, enhances teaching, learning, and the general reputation of all persons in the Academy. Therefore, all faculty members are expected to serve in a collegial fashion and in accordance with professional and ethical principles when dealing with other faculty members, students, administrators, and members of the public. Faculty are reviewed by their peers and department chairs periodically, and retention and promotion is based on the successful completion of teaching, service, and professional development metrics.

DUTIES

• Develop and teach undergraduate-level lecture and laboratory courses in the Ocean Studies department. This will include Physical Geology, Geological Oceanography, and/or other courses assigned by the Department Chair.
• Develop learning materials, prepare assessments, and maintain records to monitor student progress, achievement, and attendance.

• Inform students of their progress by promptly returning assignments and assessments.
• Advise students regarding their academic programs and progress.
• Assist in departmental academic and administrative functions, including serving on departmental and campus-wide committees.
• Participate in departmental and faculty seminars aimed at sharing research outcomes and building interdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department.
• Maintain one’s own professional development.
• Maintain an awareness and observation of chemical, fire, health, and safety regulations.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Experience developing and teaching undergraduate lecture- and laboratory-based courses.
• Facility with instrumentation and field work in a teaching context.
• Commitment to high-quality teaching and the fostering of a positive learning environment for all students.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to supervise academic work by undergraduate students.
• Ability to manage time and work to strict deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in oceanography or another marine related field by the start of the appointment (August, 2021).
• Preference will be given to candidates whose area of expertise includes geological oceanography or coastal geology.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background check is required.
• Must present original copies of transcripts.
• Smoke- and tobacco-free campus.