Assistant Professor in Synoptic Meteorology

American Meteorological Society; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

San José State University’s Department of Meteorology and Climate Science invites applications for an assistant professor (tenure-track) beginning in August 2027, with expertise in synoptic meteorology, forecasting, and AI forecasting platforms.

The successful candidate will teach at undergraduate and graduate levels, conduct innovative research in synoptic dynamics and forecasting, and contribute to campus-wide diversity and equity initiatives.

Qualifications

• PhD in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or closely related field by time of appointment.
• Ability to teach and develop courses in synoptic-dynamics, forecasting, and mesoscale areas at undergrad and grad levels.
• Demonstrated research experience relevant to candidate's expertise.
• Demonstrated awareness of diverse student populations and inclusive teaching.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in synoptic meteorology and forecasting.
• Conduct research, publish results, secure grants, and supervise student research.
• Participate in shared governance and committees within department and college.
• Organize classes within the Canvas LMS.
• Demonstrate inclusive teaching practices and support for diverse students.

Skills

Synoptic meteorology

Forecasting

Teaching in higher education

Research experience

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Education

PhD in Meteorology/Atmospheric Science

Tools

AI forecasting platforms

High-performance computing

Job description

The Department of Meteorology and Climate Science at San José State University is pleased to announce a search for an assistant professor (tenure-track) with expertise in synoptic meteorology and forecasting beginning in August 2027. We seek candidates with a strong background in synoptic dynamics and forecasting with expertise in AI forecasting platforms. Specific areas of research interest include, but are not limited to: large-scale dynamics, forecasting with AI, mesoscale and severe weather, and wildfire meteorology and fire weather. We seek candidates with teaching interests in synoptic and dynamic meteorology, forecasting, forecasting lab, and/or mesoscale meteorology. The department maintains and active participation in the national forecasting contest as part of its synoptic and forecasting curriculum.

The candidate will have the opportunity to participate as a member of the SJSU Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center (WIRC, https://www.sjsu.edu/wildfire/, a National Science Foundation, Industry-University Cooperative Research Center) to seek internal funding and conduct research related to wildfire and fire weather.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU Meteorology and Climate Science provides an exceptional setting for teaching, research, and collaboration. The department has strong connections to Silicon Valley's technology companies and California’s utilities that create opportunities for faculty to develop industry partnerships and pursue applied research. The department of Meteorology and Climate Science has extensive research facilities, including a HPC, a number of other computing systems, two mobile Doppler radars, seven Doppler lidars, a network of surface weather stations, and many other observational instruments and platforms.

The Department of Meteorology and Climate Science and San José State University value institutional excellence and are committed to advancing equity through research, teaching, and service. We enroll more than 40,000 students, many of whom are historically underserved; approximately 45% of our undergraduate students are first-generation college students and 38% are Pell Grant recipients. In addition, we are both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). SJSU aspires to create holistic learning environments that facilitate both individual and collective transformation. We seek teacher-scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning, skill-building, and knowledge exchange for all students. Our commitment to lifelong learning supports meaningful connections among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader communities we serve.

We invite all applicants to include a Statement of Institutional Excellence (or incorporate it into your cover letter) to share how your lived and professional experiences will contribute to the SJSU community—particularly in relation to student success. A guide to writing this statement can be found at SJSU Institutional Excellence Statement Guidelines.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Ability to teach & develop courses in synoptic-dynamics, forecasting, and mesoscale and/or in candidate’s area of expertise at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated research experience directly relevant to candidate’s expertise and specialization.
• Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching, and other comparable experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Priority will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following:

• Strong track record of publication.
• Experience and/or demonstrated interest in teaching and pedagogical methods.
• Experience/exposure to the funding acquisition process.

Key Responsibilities:

• The candidate will teach graduate and undergraduate courses in synoptic meteorology, forecasting, and any other areas consistent with their professional interests. The instructional responsibilities also include preparation of classes, assessment of course learning outcomes, and development of pedagogical improvements.
• The candidate will conduct research in their area of expertise, publish results in reputable peer-reviewed journals, generate grants, and supervise student research.
• The candidate will participate in shared governance, usually in department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Faculty shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• The candidate must demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.