Assistant Professor in Discipline-Based Education Research in Sustainability and Geosciences

University of Rhode Island•Kingston, RI

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About The Position

The Department of Geosciences in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) invites applications for an academic year (9 month), tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Discipline-Based Education Research in Sustainability and Geosciences. Anticipated appointment date: August 2026. URI is a land and sea grant research university located in Kingston, Rhode Island, a beautiful seaside community that is well connected by car, bus, and rail about 40 min from Providence, 1.5 hours from Boston, and 3 hours from New York City. The Geosciences department has 6 full-time tenure-track faculty members and 1 full-time teaching faculty. Our faculty conduct impactful research around the world on all aspects of geosciences. Our department offers an undergraduate major in Geology and Geological Oceanography (BS) and offers courses for many undergraduates across campus. URI is leveraging Departments of Landscape Architecture and Geosciences to create a hub where faculty educate students to tackle urgent community and environmental challenges through innovative, inclusive, and resilient approaches. The Department of Landscape Architecture brings 2 new assistant professors in Environmental Planning and Urban Design and Transportation Planning and a dedicated, experienced team of 4 full-time teaching faculty with strong adjunct support. All of our faculty mentor graduate students enrolled in thesis-based research at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels in the interdisciplinary Biological and Environmental Sciences graduate program. We invite individuals with a record of successful research, as well as a demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching, experiential learning, and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels to apply. The successful candidate will generate an internationally recognized program of research and scholarship in discipline-based education research in sustainability and geosciences. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Sustainability, Geosciences, Geology Education, or related field in hand by June 2026.
Primary area of research in discipline-based education research (DBER) in sustainability, geosciences, or related field.
Demonstrated record of excellent scholarship in discipline-based education research (DBER) in geosciences, sustainability or related field.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups, and treat all persons with dignity, without regard to protected status or characteristics.
Demonstrated proficiency in oral communication skills in English.
Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills in English.

Nice To Haves

Active participation in collaborative research.
Success in obtaining funding through competitive grant programs (including graduate or postdoctoral fellowships and grants).
Post-doctoral research experience at the time of application.
Record of excellent teaching and mentorship.
Evidence of mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Commitment to foster equal opportunity for all undergraduate students without regard to protected status or characteristics.
Expertise making research findings accessible to a broad audience through outreach, social media, and other mixed media outlets.
Commitment to participate in professional service and outreach.

Responsibilities

Establish a vibrant research program supported by extramural funding in discipline-based education research in sustainability and geosciences.
Develop a sustained record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Teach undergraduate courses in geosciences and the new EVS/SUS/NRS/GEO 102 Introduction to Sustainability course starting in Fall 2026 and at least one graduate course based on one's research expertise that will enhance both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the University of Rhode Island.
Employ evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies to ensure student success and retention, and support equity and inclusion, without regard to protected status or characteristics.
Provide advising, training, and research mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
Engage in outreach and service activities as well as governance within the Department, College, University, and broader scholarly community.
Perform other duties as required.

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