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Title: Assistant Professor of Climate Science
Employee Classification: Asst Professor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Geography, Geology, and the Environment
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Department of Geography, Geology, & the Environment (GEO) at Illinois State University (https://geo.illinoisstate.edu/) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track in Climate Science at the level of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2025.

The Department seeks a candidate who will serve an integral role in growing the Department’s intellectual capacity and scholarly efforts related to climate science. A successful candidate will have expertise in climatology, climate systems, and climate analysis. Methodological approaches may include statistical, geospatial, artificial intelligence and/or machine learning research and data analysis approaches. A successful candidate will illustrate a background or continuing interest in research collaboration and pursuit of grant opportunities.

In their capacity as an educator, the candidate will be expected to inspire and guide future professionals, integrating contemporary issues and research into comprehensive educational experiences. An ability to teach geospatial analysis, coding/scripting, and other environmental courses, including an interdisciplinary course focused on global climate change, is desired. A role of this position, residing at the intersection among Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science, is attracting new students into the existing undergraduate major programs in those disciplines, and potentially mentoring students in the Hydrogeology MS program. Primary teaching responsibilities will include a combination of existing and new courses in the candidate’s area of expertise at the introductory and upper levels. Opportunities to teach at the graduate level also exist.

The University, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment are committed to increasing faculty who promote equity, diversity and inclusion in their teaching, research, and service. ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service. ISU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Additional Information

The Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment comprises 14 faculty, 2 instructional faculty, 2 administrative professionals, approximately 15 graduate (M.S.) students, and approximately 275 undergraduate majors. We value research and teaching and offer a collegial environment fostering research collaboration among geographers, geologists, and environmental scientists. We offer opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations within the college and the university.

Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024).

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Required Qualifications

• hold a terminal degree in Climate Science (from fields including, atmospheric science, geography, geology, environmental science, or other related fields); however, exceptional A.B.D. candidates will also be considered with an expected completion of their doctoral degree before May 15, 2025.
• have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in their teaching, research, and service through: a) the ability to work with, and be sensitive to, the educational needs of students from a diverse population including prior experience teaching and/or mentoring students from diverse cultural backgrounds; b) intellectual contributions in the areas of diversity, inclusion and education of culturally diverse and underserved populations; and/or c) demonstrated ability to work collegially with a campus community from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

8/16/2025

Required Applicant Documents

1) letter of application
2) a 1.5-page statement on how your teaching, research and service demonstrate a commitment to EDI based on ISU's definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion; particular attention should be given to teaching practices that promote an inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning environment
3) teaching philosophy (up to 1.5 pages)
4) research agenda (up to 1.5 pages)
5) curriculum vitae
6) the names and contact details of 3 references

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Dr. RJ Rowley, geoclimatesearch@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.