Teaching Assistant Professor and Environmental Studies Program Coordinator

University of Pittsburgh, Department of Geology and Environmental Science

Department of Geology and Environmental Science

University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (United States)

The Department of Geology and Environmental Science (GES) at the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor (Appointment Stream) who will also serve as the Program Coordinator for the department’s interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Bachelor of Arts (ESBA) Program. Applicants should have a strong teaching portfolio and be able to teach both introductory-level and upper-level courses. Effective communication and writing skills are required. The ideal candidate’s teaching, mentorship, and service will contribute diverse perspectives and experiences to department and University initiatives. The successful candidate will teach writing and other relevant courses in Environmental Studies (which could include Communication for Environmental Professionals, Environmental Issues, Sustainability, Environmental Advocacy Action, Environmental Ethics, or other courses relevant to disciplinary expertise), identify and support internship opportunities for our majors, and mentor undergraduate majors in the ESBA Program (https://www.geology.pitt.edu/environmental-studies-ba). Other programmatic duties may include overseeing and mentoring part-time instructors for the ESBA program; maintaining program databases and budgets; overseeing and modifying the ESBA Program curriculum as necessary; writing, editing, and coordinating the production of recruitment and promotional materials; and working with other university offices to recruit and track majors.

We seek a candidate with a post-baccalaureate degree, preferably a PhD, in an environmentally related field, or with equivalent background and experience relevant to the position. Review of applicants will begin March 15, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. The position is scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Please apply online to: www.join.pitt.edu. Applications should include: 1) a 1-2 page cover letter describing teaching experience and disciplinary expertise; 2) a current CV, including a list of courses taught and where; 3) a 1-2 page statement of teaching philosophy or pedagogical practices; 4) a teaching portfolio that demonstrates evidence of teaching effectiveness and includes student evaluations, one example assignment, and one example syllabus; 5) a 1-2 page diversity statement documenting past, planned, or potential contributions or experiences relating to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion that will advance the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to excellence; and 6) contact information (full name, title, and email) for three persons able to provide confidential professional letters of recommendation.

Please direct questions to the ESBA Search Committee Chair Dr. Brian Stewart (bstewart@pitt.edu).

The Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences offers multiple undergraduate and graduate programs including B.S. degrees in Geology and Environmental Science, a B.A. degree in Environmental Studies, a professional MS degree in GIS/remote sensing, a GIS/remote sensing certification, and a Ph.D. in Geology and Environmental Science. We are home to ~300 undergraduate and 35 graduate students. Our faculty have broad expertise in Geology Environmental Science, including environmental and isotope geochemistry, applied geophysics and tectonics, paleoclimatology, planetary science, remote sensing and GIS, geomorphology, hydrology, volcanology, environmental policy, and human-environment interactions. GES hosts the Pittsburgh Collaboratory for Water Research, Education, and Outreach and the Climate and Global Change Center. More information on the department can be found here: https://www.geology.pitt.edu

Located in an urban setting, the University of Pittsburgh campus offers easy access to potential teaching and outreach venues, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center, the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, urban parks, and other universities. Pittsburgh ranks high on livability because it boasts a low cost of living, a stunning cityscape, and is home to several world-class museums and a thriving arts and food scene (https://www.eli.pitt.edu/about/pittsburgh-americas-most-livable-city). The city is located within a short drive of the Great Lakes and the rolling hills and forests of the Laurel Highlands and Allegheny Mountains.

University of Pittsburgh faculty receive a generous and comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement savings/pension plans; and tuition scholarships for dependents. Details are available at:http://www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter (1-2 pages) describing teaching experience and research background; 2) a current CV, including a list of courses taught and where; 3) a teaching portfolio (2-4 pages) that includes a statement of teaching philosophy and/or pedagogical practices, evidence of teaching effectiveness (such as student evaluations and one example assignment) and one example syllabus; 4) A diversity statement (1-2 pages), documenting past, planned, or potential contributions or experiences relating to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion that will advance the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to inclusive excellence; and 5) contact information (full name, title, and email) for three persons able to provide confidential professional letters of recommendation.