Assistant Professor of Geosciences

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

About The Position

Colorado Mesa University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Geosciences specializing in Hydrology, Geomorphology, and Watershed Science. The position is in the Geosciences Program and starts in August 2027. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester. Scholarship in the discipline, advising, and service to the university, program, department, and profession are expected. The successful candidate will teach introductory and upper-division geosciences courses and labs for liberal arts and science majors. Upper-level teaching may include Hydrology, River Dynamics, Geomorphology, and/or Groundwater. The candidate will establish a research program that creates meaningful opportunities for undergraduate geoscience majors and watershed science minors in areas such as watershed and river processes, critical zone science, climate-driven environmental geohazards, and geomorphology. The position also includes participation in the department’s six-week Geosciences Summer Field Camp, including mapping projects in the candidate’s area of expertise, as well as student advising and mentoring, program and curriculum assessment, and service. Colorado Mesa University encourages applications from candidates whose experience and interests align with the position, even if they do not meet every preferred qualification. The university is particularly interested in candidates experienced in working with students from diverse backgrounds and committed to improving access and success for underrepresented students in higher education. Employment is contingent on the required background investigation and verification of U.S. employment eligibility.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Geosciences or a closely related discipline by summer 2027.
Demonstrated expertise in water resources science.
Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching and creating a positive learning environment.
Enthusiasm for working with and inspiring undergraduate students.
Ability and enthusiasm to supervise undergraduate research that engages students in solving real-world Earth science problems, particularly those focused on western water resources, and integrates geologic, hydrologic, and geospatial methods with meaningful field-based experiences.
Ability and enthusiasm to be team-focused, communicate, and work collaboratively and collegially with colleagues.
Enthusiasm for supporting a curriculum integrating field-based, lab-based, and computational approaches to prepare students for careers in industry and academia.

Nice To Haves

Enthusiasm for teaching introductory geosciences courses, especially Natural Hazards, Water, People, and Environment, Oceanography, and Weather and Climate.
Enthusiasm for teaching required upper-level Hydrology and River Dynamics, Geomorphology, and/or Groundwater courses, and/or developing courses related to the candidate’s expertise.
Interest in teaching GIS courses, including remote sensing.
Demonstrated expertise or research interests in western water resources and/or the upper Colorado River basin, in areas such as watershed and river processes, critical zone science, climate-driven environmental geohazards, and geomorphology.
Experience applying GIS and/or remote sensing tools in teaching and research.
Research interests that complement and diversify the research of current CMU geosciences faculty and provide meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students.
Strong background in field-based instruction and research.
Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and demonstrated commitment to improving access and success for underrepresented students in higher education.

Responsibilities

Teach introductory and upper-division geosciences courses and labs for liberal arts and science majors.
Teach upper-level courses that may include Hydrology, River Dynamics, Geomorphology, and/or Groundwater.
Establish a research program that creates meaningful research opportunities for undergraduate geoscience majors and watershed science minors.
Participate in the department’s six-week Geosciences Summer Field Camp, including mapping projects focused on the candidate’s area of expertise.
Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
Participate in ongoing assessment and improvement of the geosciences program and curriculum.
Engage in service to the university, program, department, and profession.