Assistant Professor of Geosciences

Summary

Colorado Mesa University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Geosciences specializing in Hydrology, Geomorphology, and Watershed Science in the Geosciences Program. This is a full-time, tenure-track position starting August 2027.

The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per fall and spring semester. Scholarship in the discipline, involvement with advising, and service to the university, program, department, and profession are expected.

We encourage applications from candidates whose experience and interests align with the goals of this position, even if they do not meet every preferred qualification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Teach geosciences courses and labs at both the introductory and upper-division levels for liberal arts and science majors; upper-level courses include Hydrology, River Dynamics, Geomorphology, and/or Groundwater.
• Establish a research program creating meaningful opportunities for undergraduate geoscience majors and watershed science minors within the following research fields: watershed and river processes, critical zone science, climate-driven environmental geohazards, and/or geomorphology.
• 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 assessments and improvement of the geosciences program and curriculum.
• Engage in service to the university, program, department, and profession.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• 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 for supervising undergraduate research that actively engages students in solving real-world Earth science problems, particularly those focusing on western water resources, and integrating geologic, hydrologic, and geospatial methods with meaningful field-based experiences.
• Ability to be team-focused, communicate, and work collaboratively and collegially with colleagues.
• Enthusiasm for supporting a curriculum that integrates field-based, lab-based, and computational approaches to prepare students for careers in both industry and academia.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for teaching the following:
• Introductory geosciences courses, especially Natural Hazards, Water, People, and Environment, Oceanography, and Weather and Climate.
• Required upper-level Hydrology and River Dynamics, Geomorphology, and/or Groundwater courses, and/or developing new courses related to the candidate's area of expertise.
• Interest in teaching courses in GIS including remote sensing.
• Demonstrated expertise or research interests in western water resources and/or the upper Colorado River basin in the context of watershed and river processes, critical zone science, climate-driven environmental geohazards, and/or 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.

Salary

$64,000 - $68,000

Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!

How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:

• Cover letter (1 page) - Summarize your qualifications and interest in the position.
• CV: Include published papers, manuscripts accepted for publication, proposals submitted and awarded, classes taught, students mentored, awards, and other relevant academic and professional achievements.
• Statement of TeachingI (max. 2 pages): Describe previous formal teaching experience and future teaching goals; previous undergraduate mentoring contributions and future mentoring goals; and experience and approaches to teaching students from varied educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds and levels of preparation, including specific strategies that support belonging, learning, and academic success of all students.
• Statement of Research Interests (max. 2 pages): Describe previous research accomplishments and significant scientific contributions; future research goals including plans for developing an independent research program at CMU; previous experience mentoring undergraduate researchers, and plans for involving undergraduate students in future research.
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed: If your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
• Names and contact information for three references.

Application Deadline: The search closes on December 14, 2026. To ensure consideration, complete applications must be received by December 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time.

Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.

Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.