Assistant Professor – Physical Geography

Description

The Department of Geography and the Environment at The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin in the Fall 2027 semester. We seek a Physical Geographer, specializing in Biogeography, whose research addresses fundamental Earth system transformations and the complex feedbacks between human activity and environmental change, and ideally bridging foundational physical geography with societally relevant applications. Areas of specialization may include, but are not limited to, disturbance biogeography, applied ecology, ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, biogeosciences, non-native/invasive species spread, and agroecology.

Duties include teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels, contributing to the success of the department’s Geography, Sustainability, and Environmental Science majors, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations across campus, and contributing to the service and governance of the department, the college, the university, and the broader profession. Maintaining an externally funded research program is expected.

Qualifications

Applicants must have completed all the requirements for a Ph.D. in Geography or a closely related discipline by time of appointment, or expect to obtain the Ph.D. within a year of joining the faculty as Instructor. Preferred qualifications include a scholarly agenda integrating a rigorous field-based observation research approach with cutting-edge analytical frameworks leveraging AI/Machine Learning, multi-platform Remote Sensing, and/or advanced biogeochemical toolkits.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit the following materials: (1) a letter of interest, (2) a current CV, (3) a statement of research outlining past, current, and future directions over the next 3–5 years, (4) a teaching statement detailing experience, philosophy, and interests, and (5) up to three peer-reviewed, representative scholarly writing samples. Confidential letters of recommendation will be requested from select candidates following initial review.

The committee will begin reviewing applications November 6, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Position funding is subject to budget availability.

For further information, please contact:

Carlos Ramos Scharrón, Search Committee Chair

Email: [email protected]

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.