Assistant Professor - Geobiology

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Position Title:

Assistant Professor - Geobiology

Job Category:

Faculty

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Assistant Professor

Job Duties:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Department of Plant and Earth Science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is seeking a full-time, nine-month tenure track faculty position (100% teaching) at the rank of Assistant Professor to support our Geology/Earth and Environmental Sciences program. The successful candidate will be committed to excellence in undergraduate education within a highly interdisciplinary department and major, with expertise across geobiology (e.g., paleontology, global change), paleoenvironments (e.g. sedimentary geology, stratigraphy, climate/paleoclimate/atmosphere) and earth science education. The ideal candidate is a broadly trained geoscientist who is passionate about student-centered teaching, mentoring, and science teacher education. Experience leading field courses, engaging undergraduate students in research, and developing high impact teaching/outreach materials is highly desirable. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. Opportunities exist for optional summer employment through teaching, research grants, capstone experience supervision and other funding sources. 

Anticipated Start Date: August 23, 2027

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach classes in Paleontology, Sedimentary Geology & Stratigraphy, Geological Perspectives of Global Change, and Environmental Education.
• Develop innovative, student-centered courses and experiences that engage learners; regularly assess and revise curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the Geology/Earth and Environmental Sciences program and create meaningful connections with soil science, conservation, chemistry, biology, and related disciplines.
• Teach general education and introductory courses such as Earth & Environmental Systems, Atmospheric and Climate Science, and other courses as needed by the department.
• Develop and teach upper-level elective courses aligned with the candidate's expertise and program needs.
• Organize and lead domestic regional and international field courses, typically lasting 7-14 days in collaboration with program faculty.
• Help maintain and oversee the department's extensive fossil and sedimentary rock collections used for teaching, research, and outreach. 
• Engage in scholarly activities consistent with university and department expectations, including disciplinary research, applied scholarship, undergraduate research mentoring, and the scholarship of teaching and learning; contribute to UW–River Falls' commitment to excellence and leadership in undergraduate research.
• Advise undergraduate students and facilitate independent studies, internships, capstone projects, and other high-impact learning experiences.
• Participate in university service and shared governance at the department, college, and university levels.
• Contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Geology program within the broader Earth and Environmental Sciences curriculum.
• Actively participate in Geology/Earth & Environmental Sciences program recruitment, outreach, alumni engagement, and donor-supported initiatives.

Department:

Plant and Earth Science

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Geology, Earth Science, or a related field. Applicants who have finished coursework and are still working on degree requirements may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their program within one year of the date of employment.
• Field and/or laboratory training and experience in paleontology, sedimentary geology, stratigraphy, and earth science education, as demonstrated through scholarly activities such as professional presentations, publications, research projects, or related academic accomplishments.
• Strong interest and commitment to undergraduate education and teaching; demonstrated desire, ability, and willingness to develop and improve curriculum, courses, and teaching.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented successful undergraduate geoscience teaching, teaching assistantships, or formal training for teaching in higher education.
• Experience with advising, mentoring, or supervising undergraduate students.
• Experience teaching or participating in field courses/camps.
• Experience developing K–12 Earth, Environmental, or Science Education curricula, instructional materials, outreach activities, or educational resources.
• Strong interest and/or experience in connecting their expertise/field to other disciplines.

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications.  Applicants are required to provide:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts
• A two-part statement, not to exceed 3 pages, describing vision and priorities for teaching and research at a predominantly undergraduate institution
• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
• Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three references with one being a supervisor who can specifically comment upon your teaching ability, experience and professional preparation (references)

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Holly Dolliver

Associate Dean and Search Chair

[email protected]

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before January 3, 2027.
 

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 

Title IX Notice 

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at [email protected]; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix. 

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275. 

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy. 

Reasonable Accommodations 

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact [email protected] or 715-425-3518. 

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression 

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.