Faculty, Geography and Sustainability Department (GIS), Full-time, Tenure-Track, Fall 2023

Overview:

The Geography and Sustainability Department at Salem State University seeks a full-time, tenure-track faculty position beginning in Fall 2023 specializing in the application of advanced geospatial technology and analytics to the understanding of human-environment systems. The ideal candidate will have experience with remote sensing (including UAVs), spatial modeling, GIS and urban informatics, as well as research interests in climate change and environmental, economic and social sustainability. The ideal candidate will also serve on department committees and play a key role in department sponsored events.

The Geography and Sustainability Department at Salem State University is a very dynamic, student-centered, teaching focused department that specializes in sustainability, climate change resiliency, adaptation and planning, and the geospatial technologies. The Department offers a diverse curriculum with a strong focus on experiential education including real-world class projects, in class field trips, and study-travel field classes. Many faculty involve students in their research as well as working with students to help them present at regional and national conferences. Within the Department is the Center for Economic Development and Sustainability (CEDS) which conducts projects for local and regional agencies and works to help manage and streamline grants.
The Geography and Sustainability Department offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the geo-information sciences, with the graduate degree the first GIS Master’s created in the United States. The department’s digital geography laboratory (DGL) is one of the most advanced facilities on campus with a fulltime systems manager, student lab assistants and Hy-flex technology allowing for dual format classes. For the past several years, the department has expanded its involvement with UAVs, teaching a popular Drones and Aerial Imagery class and conducting UAV research for local conservation organizations.

Salem State University values, celebrates and appreciates diversity in all its forms and endeavors to create a space that reflects the campus community population which it serves. Our students come to Salem State University from 38 states and 48 countries and reflect the demographics of the greater Boston community in which we live. We are passionate about providing an experience for them and our fellow staff and faculty, where everyone can feel supported while they explore, learn, and celebrate their identities, similarities, and differences. We welcome you to come celebrate with us and become a member of our community.

Duties:

Candidates are required to perform duties in accordance with the MSCA contract. Duties include teaching, advising, scholarship and contributions to continuously improve the department and university. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. The position is subject to available funding.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in the geospatial technologies
• Teach undergraduate course in global climate change
• Manage, promote and expand the use of department drone technology
• Willingness to take a leadership role in the graduate Geo-Information Science program
• Enthusiastic to coordinate field-based activities and study travel courses

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or ABD in geography, remote sensing, sustainability or a closely related field 
• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching in remote sensing and GIS
• Experience teaching undergraduate sustainability and global climate change and/or public health
• Experience utilizing GIS and remote sensing to research issues of climate change and environmental, economic and/or social sustainability
• Documented experience teaching both classroom-based and remote courses
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and advising students to support their academic and career goals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with UAV’s, spatial analysis, spatial database, and GIS programming
• As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Salem State University seeks to enrich the faculty/librarian ranks by actively encouraging candidates whose lived and scholarly experiences directly address issues regarding the health, welfare, and representation of Latinx populations in the United States. Candidates who meet this strongly desired qualification should present documented activities in Latinx-related teaching, scholarship/research, and service, including community-based endeavors in each of these three areas.

Working Conditions:

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email eo-hr@salemstate.edu.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please apply online and attach curriculum vitae, cover letter and (unofficial) transcripts.

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university. Internal candidates are not subject to a background check. 

This position is eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty, will need to be in compliance with Salem State University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement.

EEO Statement:
Salem State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Persons of color, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly urged to apply.

Please Note: If there is no application deadline associated with a position, it may be removed at any time and additional applications will not be accepted.