Assistant Professor of Geosciences - Geography

39353BR

Geosciences

Position Description

The Department of Geosciences in the College of Arts & Sciences at Texas Tech University, in partnership with The Center for Urban-Rural Environmental Sustainability (CURES) and the THRIVE! invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track, Assistant Professor in Geography to begin September 1, 2025.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the College

Founded in 1925 as one of the university's four original colleges, the College of Arts & Sciences is comprised of 15 departments and one program, offering a wide variety of courses and programs in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and natural sciences. The College has approximately 10,000 students enrolled representing more than a quarter of the overall Texas Tech University student population while maintaining a 22:1 student to faculty ratio

About the Department/School/Area

The Department of Geosciences offers BS and BA degrees in Geosciences, and, Geography and the Environment, MS degrees in Geosciences, Geography and the Environment and Atmospheric Sciences, and a PhD; we also offer certificates in GIST. Our ~35 tenure-track faculty and instructors serve ~100 graduate students and ~130 under-graduate majors. Our research profile transcends the fields of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, with a growing emphasis on societal impact of Earth-systems.

The Center for Urban-Rural Environmental Sustainability (CURES), in conjunction with the THRIVE! initiative at Texas Tech University (TTU) will lead scholarship on the challenges of communities in small- to mid-sized cities and the rural areas that surround them. It unites leaders from the fields of science, engineering, resource management, human- and social-sciences, and the humanities to improve knowledge, develop strategies and build frameworks that will improve human health and well-being, and increase regional and environmental sustainability.

Small- and mid-sized cities in the United States represent the largest population groups in the United States. These cities are culturally and economically vibrant hubs that are intimately connected to surrounding rural areas. Migration from rural to small- and mid-sized urban communities' changes relationships between communities and their environments. Significant challenges faced by rural to smaller communities include lack of modern infrastructure, economic disparities, differential access to education and healthcare, rapidly changing work-force demographics, resource availability, land use, which are all being influenced by environmental change.

Major/Essential Functions

In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with diverse student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

The successful applicant will build a vibrant externally-funded research program using a variety of traditional and non-traditional sources, generate a scholarly publication record, advise graduate and undergraduate students, possess an enthusiasm for diverse and innovative teaching, participate in national and international technical committees and outreach activities, and work within a multi-disciplinary group to develop actionable strategies that contribute to urban-rural environmental sustainability.

Organization

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications

Specific required qualifications include:

• Completion (by the time of the appointment) of a Ph.D. in a related field with emphasis on, or relatable to, urban-rural sustainability.
• A documented record of teaching undergraduate and graduate programs in their area of expertise.
• The ability to develop and sustain a vibrant, nationally recognized and externally funded research program as evidenced by Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and three supporting statements
• Demonstrated mentoring M.S. and Ph.D. students.
• A commitment to work in a multi-disciplinary group to develop actionable strategies that contribute to increased resilience and sustainability in urban and rural communities as evidenced by Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and three supporting statements.

Preferred Qualifications

• We seek applicants who will contribute to the mission of CURES through Economic Geography, focusing on regional development, the economy and environment, energy markets, agricultural commodity markets, and the links between rural and urban economies, as demonstrated in the required documents.
• Applicants should showcase their skills in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as well as how they will contribute to teaching in the Geography and the Environment programs, in the teaching plan included in the required documents.

Duty Point

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three equally important statements that describe (a) research experience and future goals, including a 5-year plan for establishing and maintaining and recognized and well-funded research program, (b) a plan for excellence in teaching that recognizes the value of self-reflective professional development, and (c) a statement of interdisciplinary vision related to Urban-Rural Environmental Sustainability
• The name and contact information of up to 4 colleagues who may be willing to provide a letter of recommendation.

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Assistant Professor

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Grade

800

Applications must be received by

01/30/2025