Assistant Professor of Geology

Whitman College • Walla Walla, WA

2d • $75,000 - $78,000

About The Position

Located in the vibrant community of Walla Walla, WA , Whitman College is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving roughly 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top undergraduate, liberal arts colleges in the country. The Department of Geology seeks applicants for a tenure-track position beginning August 2026, with expertise in Structural Geology and Geophysics, at the rank of assistant professor. Applicants must have a Ph.D. at the start of the position. The successful candidate will offer courses in Structural Geology, Geophysics, Introductory Geology, and courses in the applicant's area of expertise, as well as courses that contribute to the College’s general education requirements. The standard annual teaching load is five courses. The department invites applicants who will participate in the department’s twice-yearly Regional Geology class, a 4-day field trip to areas in the geologically active Pacific Northwest. All geology faculty and students can participate in this field experience, which develops students’ science identity and creates social cohesion and connections between students, staff, and faculty. In addition to the popular Geology major, the department offers combined majors with our partners in Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, French, and Physics. The department values creative approaches to teaching that cultivate inclusive learning environments, and collaborative research with undergraduate students. The College provides a generous pre-tenure sabbatical program and professional development support for both research and teaching. The successful candidate will demonstrate potential to sustain an active research agenda and to participate in faculty governance, mentorship, or other forms of service in ways that fit their interests and talents. Whitman College is committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that values diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. In the cover letter, candidates should describe their interest in teaching undergraduates, majors as well as non-majors, at all levels of instruction. In doing so, candidates should address how their classroom and scholarly practices will advance equity and inclusion in the learning environment. To apply, go to https://apply.interfolio.com/171758 . The online application will prompt you to submit all of the required materials: a cover letter; curriculum vitae; separate statements addressing the candidate’s teaching interests and research agenda; contact information for three references; graduate transcripts; and evidence of demonstrated or potential excellence in undergraduate instruction. Review of applications will begin on September 19th. Salary Range: $75,000 - $78,000 Whitman College offers a competitive benefits package that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. The links below currently reflect 2025 benefits. Information for 2026 benefits will be available in late fall. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances; basic life , accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage; 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met; Tuition Remission – Dependent Children , after eligibility requirements ; employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester; and an Employee Assistance Program . New faculty receive a relocation stipend for moving expenses based on the distance of relocation.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. at the start of the position.
• Demonstrate potential to sustain an active research agenda
• Demonstrate potential to participate in faculty governance, mentorship, or other forms of service in ways that fit their interests and talents.

Responsibilities

• Offer courses in Structural Geology, Geophysics, Introductory Geology, and courses in the applicant's area of expertise, as well as courses that contribute to the College’s general education requirements.
• Participate in the department’s twice-yearly Regional Geology class, a 4-day field trip to areas in the geologically active Pacific Northwest.
• Sustain an active research agenda
• Participate in faculty governance, mentorship, or other forms of service in ways that fit their interests and talents.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances
• Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage
• 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met
• Tuition Remission – Dependent Children, after eligibility requirements
• Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester
• Employee Assistance Program
• Relocation stipend for moving expenses based on the distance of relocation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree