The Department of Geography and Environmental Systems (GES) at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) invites applications from scholars in coastal science, pursuing a research agenda in hydrology, ecology, geomorphology, wetland biogeochemistry, or fisheries. Areas of specialization are open, but preference will be given to candidates whose research focus emphasizes biophysical dynamics and resilience of coastal systems in the context of global social and environmental change.

The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally-funded research program while teaching a combination of introductory physical geography or environmental science courses and advanced courses (at the undergraduate and graduate levels) in their area of specialty.  The average teaching load is two courses per semester. This is a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor rank and will begin in August 2025. The salary range for this position is $94,000-99,000 for a 9-month position. 

UMBC is listed in the most recent Carnegie ranking as an R1 Research University-Very High Research Activity. The Department has more than 275 majors, with more than 60 graduate students in M.S., M.P.S., and Ph.D. programs. Faculty and graduate student interests span topics from urban geography to environmental science and management, and the department provides a rich and collegial environment for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The department is particularly strong in areas including urban geography, urban environments, human migration, environmental policy and management, water resources, ecology and conservation, climate science, and geospatial techniques. Many of our faculty and students explicitly incorporate issues of justice, equity, and diversity in their research and/or teaching. UMBC is also ranked by the Carnegie Foundation as a leading community-engaged university. Faculty and students are encouraged to engage with communities in research and teaching, and the Department has a strong record of such engagement both locally and abroad. Faculty and graduate students in GES have been deeply engaged with the ICARE program, an NSF Research Traineeship program focused on diversifying the future environmental workforce through graduate education in applied environmental research in and around Baltimore harbor.

Examples of past or ongoing collaborative opportunities with faculty across departments and colleges include Biological Sciences; Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering; Computer Science & Electrical Engineering; Emergency & Disaster Health Systems; Global Studies; Interdisciplinary Studies; Public Policy; Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health; Gender, Women’s, & Sexuality Studies; and the multi-campus Marine, Estuarine & Environmental Sciences (MEES) program. UMBC also has a number of cross-departmental institutions and centers to facilitate research and collaboration, such as the Dresher Center for the Humanities, the Center for Social Science Scholarship, and the Imaging Research Center. Department members are actively engaged in college- or university-wide activities such as the Feminist Decolonial Latin American and Caribbean Studies Working group, the Inclusion Council, and the Climate Action Steering Committee. Other opportunities for research collaboration at UMBC include the Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES), an urban long-term ecological research site at UMBC incorporating science, social science, education, and justice/diversity, the US Geological Survey Water Science Center, the USDA Forest Service Baltimore Urban Field Station, the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) II, a research consortium formed by UMBC and NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center. UMBC is located in close proximity to Washington D.C. and a broad array of federal, state, and local agencies as well as to other research institutions along the Washington-Baltimore-Philadelphia corridor. Interested candidates may visit the GES webpage for additional information.

At minimum, candidates will hold a PhD at the time of appointment and demonstrate experience teaching courses in physical geography or related areas. Evaluation of applications will be based on: research productivity commensurate with time as a professional; teaching experience; demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in scholarship, teaching, and service; recommendation letters; and potential for future success in research and teaching, including potential as a mentor for undergraduate and graduate students.

UMBC ranks in the top 15% of national universities in the diversity of its student body and emphasizes an inclusive workplace for faculty and staff. We seek to attract an equally diverse pool for this position; we encourage applications from people from groups historically excluded from the academy, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Candidates should include a statement that shows evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice. This could include experiences supporting or advocating for members of under-represented groups, and describe how the candidate would foster an inclusive and equitable educational environment.

Applications should be sent through Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/156317

·      cover letter with description of qualifications and fit with the department and university

·      a statement of commitment to inclusion and diversity in research, teaching, and service

·      a statement of teaching

·      a statement of research

·      up to three reprints of research publications

·      Curriculum vitae

·      names and contact information of three references.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Matthew Baker at CoastSearch@umbc.edu. Formal review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.  A background check will be required.

UMBC is especially proud of the diversity of its student body, and we are strongly committed to increasing faculty and staff diversity. We seek and encourage applications from people from groups historically excluded from the professoriate, including: BIPOC, women, persons with disabilities, and persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity.

UMBC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

About University of Maryland, Baltimore County

UMBC is a dynamic public research university integrating teaching, research and service to benefit the citizens of Maryland. As an Honors University, the campus offers academically talented students a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation that prepares them for graduate and professional study, entry into the workforce, and community service and leadership. UMBC emphasizes science, engineering, information technology, human services and public policy at the graduate level. UMBC contributes to the economic development of the State and the region through entrepreneurial initiatives, workforce training, K-16 partnerships, and technology commercialization in collaboration with public agencies and the corporate community. UMBC is dedicated to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility and lifelong learning.

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