Assistant Professor - Geobiology

University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Town of River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin-River Falls seeks an Assistant Professor in Geology/Earth and Environmental Sciences. The 9-month, tenure-track position emphasizes undergraduate education, student mentoring, and curriculum development within an interdisciplinary department.

Responsibilities include developing courses across paleontology, sedimentary geology, and global change, leading field courses, advising students, and contributing to outreach and program development. A PhD is required by start date.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geology or related field completed or near completion with evidence of ongoing research in geosciences.
• Field and/or laboratory training in paleontology, sedimentary geology, stratigraphy, and earth science education.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach Paleontology, Sedimentary Geology & Stratigraphy, and Environmental Education courses.
• Lead field courses domestically and internationally, and supervise undergraduate research and capstone projects.
• Advise students and participate in department and program recruitment and outreach.

Skills

Geology

Paleontology

Stratigraphy

Earth Science Education

Field Experience

Education

PhD in Geology

Job description

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.

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

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.

Inquiries should be addressed to:

Holly Dolliver

Associate Dean and Search Chair

[e-mail]

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

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. 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.