Assistant Professor of Geosciences

The Geosciences Department at Union College invites applicants for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level beginning Fall 2024. We seek an outstanding geoscience scholar and teacher who will establish an innovative research program motivated by environmental change with clear societal relevance. Potential areas of research could include, but are not limited to, atmospheric sciences and extreme weather, cryosphere dynamics, coastal processes and hazards, alternative energy resources, or urban and built environments. Research may involve field work, laboratory analyses, experimentation, interpretation of large data sets, and/or computer modeling. We are especially interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about providing undergraduate research opportunities, mentoring of students, and cultivating a diverse learning community. The successful candidate will offer an introductory Geoscience course accessible to both majors and non-majors (thereby contributing to the new general education curriculum: https://www.union.edu/common-curriculum/general-education-union) and two upper-level classes (all classes with lab sections) that complement our existing areas of expertise (see https://www.union.edu/geology). The position is within the Department of Geoscience, but may also contribute to our programs in Environmental Science, Policy, and Engineering, and a new major in Environmental Engineering. 

The Department of Geosciences at Union College is committed to teaching and mentoring students in the classroom and in our active research programs. The Department is well equipped for the analysis of water, rock, and sediment and is home to LA-ICP-MS, stable isotope, ion chromatography, and sediment core laboratories, as well as shared analytical facilities within the sciences (including, SEM, HPLC, and XRD) available for research and teaching (see https://www.union.edu/geology/geology-equipment). The Department is part of the Keck Geology Consortium which promotes undergraduate research. The College is situated in close proximity to both the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains (see https://muse.union.edu/adirondack/), the Mohawk River, numerous lakes, and urban and suburban areas. This provides a fascinating and diverse regional geology that drives vibrant field research and teaching. 

Union College is a small, highly selective liberal arts college with strengths in science and engineering located in Schenectady, NY, a culturally rich and economically diverse city in New York State's Capital Region within three hours from New York City, Boston, and Montreal.  The salary range for this position is $80,000-82,000, commensurate with experience. Union offers an exceptional benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision insurance, life and disability coverage, and generous retirement and tuition benefit packages. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.union.edu/human-resources/benefits.

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate a diverse community's integrated academic, social and personal development. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union College, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Our goal is not only to increase diversity but also to support a diverse environment in which people from varied backgrounds can succeed and thrive. We strongly encourage applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. We expect all faculty members to contribute to a thriving, diverse, and inclusive learning community, while promoting a sense of belonging among students, other faculty, and staff colleagues.

All candidates must have a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in a geoscience-related field. Successful candidates will demonstrate the potential to develop an independent research program, as evidenced by scholarship and productivity during graduate and/or postdoctoral activities. Preference will also be given to those who have a demonstrated interest in undergraduate research and teaching. Successful candidates will detail an interest, understanding, and commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion – with preference for a demonstrated ability to contribute to inclusion of groups that are underrepresented in the geosciences through education, research, and/or service.

Interested candidates should apply via our portal at http://jobs.union.edu.  We will begin review of applications on Sept. 20, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled, the application portal will close Oct. 20, 2023. Please submit the following with your application: 1) Cover letter, 2) CV, 3) Statement of research experience and interests, 4) Statement of teaching experience and philosophy, and 5) Statement of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You will be asked to include names and contact information for three references through our online application system at jobs.union.edu. An email will be sent automatically to references requesting a letter of recommendation. For additional information or questions please contact D.P. Gillikin at geologychair@union.edu

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.