The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin seeks to hire a full-time, non-tenure track Assistant Professor of Practice in the area of Geoscience Education and interest in developing connections of research to broader populations. The position entails a variety of contributions to our teaching and research programs which incorporate innovative teaching or outreach methodologies to impact students or communities and achieve measurable outcomes, including:

·         Working with the JSG Associate Dean for Research and the Grants and Contracts offices in all JSG units to support JSG faculty and graduate students in planning and proposing successful broader impact activities which creatively extend the benefits of the planned research to a broader population, and leverage programs and facilities within the Jackson School.

·         Leadership of the JSG Research Traineeship Experience program (RTX), a nine-week, summer residential undergraduate excellence program in geoscience research, technology and coding to better prepare them for graduate school. See more at: https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/education-360/programs/research-traineeship-experience-rtx/ This role entails overseeing, planning and executing the program and its networking and social events, with the assistance of JSG staff and a graduate assistant; recruitment of faculty participants as teachers and mentors; recruiting and admissions of students. Seek external funding for the program through research and foundation grants and individual and corporate donors (in collaboration with the JSG development team).   

·         Work with the Program Director of the JSG GeoFORCE program, an award-winning high-school education and outreach program, to improve the educational content of their summer academies and to write, or collaborate in writing, proposals to expand the program’s impact (e.g., participation in the university’s GEAR UP grant).

·         Teach up to two courses per year. A wide range of course opportunities are possible, depending on department’s needs and the candidate’s background and interests. Teaching activity is coordinated with the department chair. 

Working at the Jackson School

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences (JSG), which includes two closely allied research units, the Institute for Geophysics and the Bureau of Economic Geology. The School comprises ~45 tenure track faculty and ~80 research faculty, and a talented cadre of research scientists, technologists, advising and administrative staff. We currently enroll ~350 undergraduates and 200 graduate students across our degree programs.  We are a world-class community of scholars with a remarkable range of specialties and access to outstanding research facilities and support. We seek a faculty member who will develop new and/or expand collaborations among faculty, staff, and students across the JSG and other units on campus. The university is located in the thriving Austin metropolitan area with a vibrant community of over 2 million people.

Professional track faculty at the Jackson School are valued individuals. Each faculty member helps to create their own unique set of contributions based on the job classification, interest, skill sets, and departmental need, and may contribute to the academic enterprise in many ways, including service, research, and student mentoring. This is a full-time, endowment-funded, 12-month appointment with a 3-year rolling contract. The professional faculty track follows a normal faculty promotion process. Work is conducted primarily on campus and relocation to the Austin area is required.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Geoscience or a related field. The candidate must have knowledge of undergraduate teaching using advanced pedagogical techniques, including student-centered practices; defining and assessing learning outcomes; demonstrated teaching skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; and excellent interpersonal skills. An interest in research-based approaches to Geoscience education is essential. Experience in writing proposals for external funding is desired.

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled, with a target date of Spring 2025. Interested applicants should submit: a cover letter; CV; a statement of your interest and experience in geoscience education, including educational research and pedagogy, defining and assessing learning outcomes, improving the undergraduate research experience, and developing broader impacts for research programs; and a list of at least three individuals who would be able to provide letters of reference. Submit copies of these materials through Interfolio's 'Apply Now' option. Questions concerning the application process should be addressed to EPSoffice@jsg.utexas.edu.