Assistant Professor of Physical Geography

California State University, Chico; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Fullerton invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Physical Geography with an appointment to begin Fall 2027. The department seeks a candidate who can develop and teach introductory and core courses, integrate GIS into the curriculum, and contribute to scholarly activity.

We value a strong record of teaching, active research in physical or environmental geography, and commitment to student success within a diverse university

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geography with a specialization in Physical Geography; ABDs accepted if degree is completed by appointment.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching and a strong research record in physical/environmental geography.
• Ability to integrate GIS into teaching.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach introductory and core courses in Physical Geography and related areas.
• Pursue scholarly activity and publish research commensurate with tenure.
• Advise students, participate in committees and service to department and university.

Skills

Teaching experience

GIS proficiency

Fieldwork leadership

Scientific writing

Oral communication

Education

Ph.D. in Geography (Physical Geography)

Tools

GIS software (ArcGIS)

Job description

Assistant Professor of Physical Geography

The Department of Geography & the Environment at California State University, Fullerton, invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor position in Physical Geography with an appointment to begin Fall 2027.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. CSUF complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

In addition, California State University, Fullerton is a leading public university known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. As one of the largest campuses in the CSU system, Cal State Fullerton fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. The university values teaching, research, and service, creating an environment where students, staff, and faculty can thrive. Cal State Fullerton is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The university also received the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2021 and 2024 from Excelencia in Education, the nation’s leading authority on Latinx student success. Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer with a diverse student population of over 45,000 and a faculty and staff population of 4,000. Cal State Fullerton is firmly committed to helping students achieve academic excellence, career success, and economic mobility. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact. We continuously seek individuals from various disciplines who share the university’s mission and core values. We welcome you to consider joining the Titan community.

CSUF is committed to retaining all faculty and has established affinity groups you can join to support your success.

Position

We seek a physical geographer using scientific methods to understand natural processes and Earth systems. We are open to a range of physical geography subfields. Applicants with the following areas of specialization are encouraged to apply: water resource sciences, conservation biogeography, and coastal and marine physical and biological processes.

CSUF faculty are committed teacher/scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms, labs, studios, and individually mentored projects. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments, advise students, and serve on departmental and university-wide committees. The primary responsibilities of the person in this position will include the development and teaching of introductory and core courses in the discipline and courses in their area of specialization. Existing courses this person could teach include, but are not limited to: Introduction to the Natural Environment, Global Environmental Problems, Geomorphology, Natural Vegetation, Desert Landscapes, Coastal Environment, senior and graduate level Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mountain field geography, and graduate level Physical Geography courses in their area of specialization. It is preferred that applicants are able to integrate GIS methods into their curriculum. This person will also be responsible for producing scholarship commensurate with the requirements for tenure. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to and participate in the life and development of the department, advise students, serve on committees, and participate in the broader university and disciplinary communities.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geography, with a specialization in Physical Geography. ABDs are welcome to apply, but must show evidence that the degree will be completed by the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A proven record of teaching
• Research experience in physical and/or environmental geography supported by a record of scholarly accomplishments [publications, conference presentations, etc.]
• Field experience and an interest in leading students in the field
• Proficiency in GIS technologies for teaching and research
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Application Deadline

To be assured full consideration, all application materials must be received by November 1, 2026. The anticipated appointment date is Fall 2027.

The College and Department

The Department of Geography & the Environment offers a B.A. in Geography, a B.A. in Geography with a Concentration in Environmental Analysis, Certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geospatial Technologies, Minors in Geography, Sustainability and Urban Studies, and an M.A. in Geography. We have dedicated labs for GIS, remote sensing, and dendrochronology. Our faculty have teaching and research interests that span the breadth of geography. We prepare students for a variety of career paths, including education, environment, geospatial technologies, public service, resource management, and urban planning. The Department and the College emphasize experiential learning outside of the classroom, including field trips, field classes, and study abroad programs.

The Department of Geography & the Environment is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (H&SS). H&SS is the largest college at CSUF, offering 23 undergraduate degrees, 38 minors, and 15 graduate degrees. Our mission is to educate students to be culturally, globally, socially, historically and environmentally astute, civically responsible alumni able to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Three primary initiatives in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences - CoJET, Passage to the Future, and IBII - showcase our core pillars of civic engagement, social justice, and global awareness. Our faculty-based Collective for Justice, Equity & Transformation (CoJET), consists of H&SS faculty fellows whose expertise addresses equity, diversity, justice, community and organizational transformation. Faculty teaching our Passage to the Future courses help position our students for future success by helping them connect H&SS experiences and knowledge to career paths. The Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation (IBII) is a cross‑campus and community‑minded initiative to institutionalize the support and inclusion of Black people, culture, creative arts, and intellectual history at California State University, Fullerton and throughout Orange County.

Compensation

The Assistant Professor (Academic Year) classification salary range is $6,221 to $13,224 monthly (12 monthly payments per academic year). The anticipated hiring range is $7,023 to $7,163 per month.

Salary offered is commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, the California Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying its employees less than those of the opposite sex and/or another race or ethnicity for substantially similar work (https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/california_equal_pay_act.htm ).

Summer research grants, moving expenses, start‑up funds, and a reduced teaching load may be available.

CSUF Benefits

An excellent comprehensive benefits package includes health/vision/dental plans; spouse, domestic partner, and dependent fee‑waiver; access to campus child‑care; and a defined‑benefit retirement through the state system and optional tax‑shielding opportunities. For a detailed description of benefits, please visit https://hr.fullerton.edu/total-wellness/ .

New employees hired by the CSU for the first time who first become CalPERS members on or after July 1, 2017, are subject to a 10-year vesting period for retiree health and dental benefits.

International Candidates

California State University, Fullerton, is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.

For tenure‑track faculty positions, California State University, Fullerton is currently not sponsoring H‑1B applicants subject to the $100,000 fee established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025. Individuals in the U.S. who hold a valid lawful nonimmigrant status visa can have a petition filed