Assistant Professor in Social Dimensions of Coastal Studies

 The Department of Geography at Virginia Tech is seeking applicants for a tenure-track position in the social dimensions of coastal studies at the rank of assistant professor. 

We seek an enterprising scholar working in the confluence of human geography, coastal economies, society, and environment. The specific research area within coastal studies is open. We welcome diverse candidates who complement one or more departmental strengths in human-environment interactions, sustainability, urban geography, water, medical geography, hazards, geospatial science, biogeography, and atmospheric science. We especially encourage individuals with commitments to public engagement, environmental justice, international scholarship or collaborations with underserved communities to apply. Individuals must have a PhD in Geography or a closely related discipline or program by the time of the August 2021 appointment. 

Applicants should demonstrate excellence or promise in teaching, research, and outreach. The successful candidate must be able to teach engaging undergraduate and graduate courses in human geography including core and specialty courses. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an externally funded research program, a strong publication record, and advise graduate students in our MS program. Opportunities also exist to advise PhD students through the Geospatial and Environmental Analysis program based in our department’s home College of Natural Resources and Environment.

The successful candidate will be invited to join the Center for Coastal Studies, which brings together 50+ faculty from eight of Virginia Tech’s nine academic colleges. The University is pushing the boundaries of knowledge to address complex real-world challenges that cross disciplinary boundaries. In this context, Virginia Tech is increasing interdisciplinary capacity and disciplinary excellence in coastal research and education, with a series of linked hires within the Center for Coastal Studies.

The Center is affiliated with the Global Systems Science Destination Area, which examines the dynamics of social-ecological systems. Faculty in this area are collaborating to identify transdisciplinary solutions to critical social and environmental problems. This work promotes the human condition by seeking respect for human dignity, access to critical resources, and equity in physical safety and psychological well-being throughout the world’s diverse communities.

Recognizing the critical importance of diverse teams, Virginia Tech is working to diversify its faculty by actively recruiting from groups that historically have been marginalized. Virginia Tech is a public land‐grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach within the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), the University is dedicated to serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence - InclusiveVT. We seek candidates who adopt and practice efforts to increase access and inclusion to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all.

Interested persons must apply at https://jobs.vt.edu/, posting number 515045, where they will submit a two-three page cover letter highlighting teaching, research, and outreach experiences and interests, a current curriculum vitae, two recent writing samples (e.g., publications), teaching evaluations (if available), and contact information for three references. In addition, we request a one-page statement describing candidates’ commitments to promoting diversity and working in a multicultural environment. 

Review of applications will begin March 1, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries can be made to Dr. Tim Baird, Search Committee Chair, Department of Geography, 215 Wallace Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Email: tbaird@vt.edu. Phone: (919) 360-2933.

Given the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic, this search will be conducted remotely. Our hope is that, during the negotiation process following the search, the successful applicant will be able to safely visit campus before accepting the position.