Applied Geospatial Analysis, Assistant Professor

Cal Poly Pomona•Pomona, CA

8d•$81,572 - $85,572•Onsite

About The Position

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) in the Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture, Department of Plant Sciences, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Applied Geospatial Analysis. This position is part of a vibrant academic community known for its learn-by-doing approach and commitment to experiential learning. The university is situated on a scenic 1,400-acre campus near Los Angeles and is recognized for its diversity, social mobility, and value. The Plant Science Department focuses on hands-on education in plant growth, soil health, pest management, and data-driven agriculture, utilizing extensive on-campus resources like farms, research centers, and specialized facilities. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses, develop new curriculum in GIS and spatial analysis, and establish an active scholarship program using geospatial and applied geoscience methods relevant to agricultural and environmental systems. This role involves mentoring students, participating in departmental and university service, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The position requires a Ph.D. and expertise in geospatial technologies applied to agriculture or environmental systems.

Requirements

A Ph.D. in geography, environmental science, environmental studies, soil science, plant biology, agronomy, forestry, entomology, agricultural engineering, or other related field from an accredited institution. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.
Demonstrated expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, remote sensing, geospatial data science, or related geospatial methods.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, staff, and faculty from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ph.D. by the start of employment.

Nice To Haves

Expertise applying geospatial technologies to agriculture, urban agroecosystems, environmental monitoring, environmental justice, or natural resource management.
Experience with remote sensing, drone-based data collection, spatial modeling, geospatial data science, or geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI).
Experience with industry-relevant software and platforms, such as ArcGIS, QGIS, Python, R Statistics, Google Earth Engine, ENVI, or others.
Experience teaching GIS, spatial analysis, remote sensing, data-driven agriculture, or related subjects, with an emphasis on high-impact techniques such as hands-on, experiential, or field-based teaching.
Experience mentoring students in research or applied projects.
Evidence of potential to obtain funding for research activities.
Experience collaborating across disciplines or with industry, government agencies, community organizations, growers, or other stakeholders.
Experience communicating spatial information through maps, visualization, or other approaches that support agricultural or environmental decision-making.

Responsibilities

Teach existing undergraduate courses in their area of expertise and develop new courses and curriculum in GIS, spatial analysis, geospatial technologies, and/or related applied geoscience methods relevant to agricultural and environmental systems.
Incorporate hands-on laboratory, field, and data-driven experiences that connect environmental data collection, spatial analysis, interpretation, and visualization to real-world challenges in urban and agricultural landscapes.
Establish an active scholarship focused on agricultural and environmental systems using geospatial and applied geoscience approaches.
Disseminate scholarly work through peer-reviewed publications and/or professional presentations.
Pursue funding to support their research program.
Mentor students in research activities, field investigations, and applied projects, integrating scholarship with the department’s emphasis on experiential and applied learning.
Participate in internal service to the department, college, and university, including departmental planning, academic senate, hiring, or curriculum development committees.
Participate in external service to professional organizations or the broader community, including developing collaborative relationships with industry, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.