Tenure Track Faculty and Department Chair, Earth, Environment, and Society

OVERVIEW

The Department of Earth, Environment, and Society (EES) in the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Saint Thomas, Minnesota, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in environmental science, environmental studies, or related field beginning Fall 2024. We seek a colleague to pursue excellent and inclusive teaching, engage students in high-quality research, and take a leadership role as department chair. Candidates at any rank are encouraged to apply; depending on candidate qualifications, an expedited review for tenure, or years of credit toward tenure, may be negotiated. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Department of EES is newly-coalesced with faculty from multiple environmental fields to synergize and expand the reach and impact of these shared disciplines. This department will be housed in the Schoenecker Center (opening January 2024), the university's new central home for STEAM education at St. Thomas. We seek candidates with enthusiasm for collaboration and a penchant for (and/or experience in) administration to provide leadership to advance our vision in addressing pressing environmental problems and their varied impacts within and across communities, nations, and the world.

As environmental fields are increasingly interdisciplinary, we seek candidates who can teach across the programmatic boundaries within EES to contribute to the multiple degrees offered in the department, including the BS in Environmental Science, BA in Environmental Studies, BA and BS in Geology, BA in Geography, BA in Geographic Information Systems, and a minor in Sustainability (more information found on the EES Website). In addition, we welcome applications from scholars with interest in teaching courses to fulfill our core curriculum’s requirements in Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice and/or Global Perspectives. The standard teaching load is three courses per semester with course release time available for administrative responsibilities. 

The University of St. Thomas seeks to attract, retain, and develop faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds to enhance the diversity of the learning community, and to offer our students richly varied perspectives. In addition to teaching and student advising, the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate an effective research program with undergraduate students and perform service to the department, university, and/or greater community. Faculty in EES have active research programs involving undergraduate students. Creative, solution-oriented candidates with an interdisciplinary background in a range of environmental specialties are welcome to apply. Areas of interest are broad and include but are not limited to global and/or regional environmental change and its differential human impacts, ecosystem resilience and evaluation, human dimensions of environmental change, sustainability theory and practice, sustainable resource production and use, sustainable systems (including agriculture, transportation, water, and energy), socio-ecological systems modeling, and sustainable development. GIS, remote sensing, and/or other data analytic and visualization skills are advantageous.

The University of St. Thomas is in the vibrant Minneapolis-St. Paul area, one of the U.S.’s top 25 metro areas. A recent study found that the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area population grew 11% from 2010 – 2020. Census data also show that Minnesota continues to grow more diverse, both racially and ethnically, and at a faster pace than in the broader United States. The Twin Cities boast a vibrant music, theater, art, and food scene, many green spaces, and are consistently ranked among the most bike friendly cities in the U.S. Minnesota is one of the state’s least vulnerable to climate change, and most prepared for it.  The state is home to fifteen Fortune 500 companies, nearly 200 post-secondary institutions, and a robust nonprofit sector.

The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EOE).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. We are committed to building a skilled team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

More information about the College of Arts and Sciences is at College of Arts & Sciences (stthomas.edu). To learn more about life as a faculty member at St. Thomas, please visit Life as a Faculty member.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have Ph.D. (U.S. or foreign equivalent) in environmental science, environmental studies, geography, geology, conservation science, ecosystem science, or in a closely related field. Alternatively, ABDs nearing completion of the Ph.D. will be considered, with the initial appointment to be made at the rank of Instructor. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, productive research/scholarly activities, and interest in and some experience with academic administration.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted online at www.stthomas.edu/jobs. Candidates will be asked to submit:

A curriculum vitae uploaded into your profile. Copy/paste a position-specific cover letter that describes your qualifications and includes how you would incorporate and/or envision diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, scholarship, and/or service at St. Thomas. Complete the reference section of the application by providing contact information for three professional references. No references will be contacted without first getting the permission of the candidates.  A statement on your enthusiasm for and/or experience in academic management, leadership, and visionary ideas for the department. A statement detailing your teaching experience and your teaching philosophy. A statement describing your research agenda and how it may incorporate undergraduate collaborators. Applications should be submitted by November 1, 2023, for full consideration and will remain open until the position is filled. Please contact the search chair, Dr. David Kelley (dwkelley@sthomas.edu) if you have any questions.

Official job posting is available at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/.