The Department of Geography at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville seeks a broadly-trained Physical Geographer with a specialization in Environmental Change in the Common Era for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position starting 1 August 2022. We seek a scholar with research specialization on using natural archives, such as tree rings, sediments, or soils, to understand changes in climate or the biosphere over the last two millennia of accelerated human impact on the environment. We are particularly interested in a scholar who will help broaden student participation in field experiences, and whose research complements departmental strengths in climate and long-term environmental change. The successful candidate will join a dynamic department characterized by mutual support and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain a strong program of research and publication in Physical Geography and their field of specialization, and to develop a robust, externally funded research portfolio that advances the candidate's research as well as the mission of the Department of Geography. The successful candidate will provide support to our Physical Geography program by enthusiastically teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in physical geography (3–4 courses/year), and taking an active role in bringing currency and creativity to curriculum development. The successful candidate will also demonstrate an ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students and to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University and the department, as set out in the department’s diversity action plan: https://geography.utk.edu/diversity.

The Department of Geography occupies the Burchfiel Geography Building at the heart of the Knoxville campus. The department consists of 20 full-time faculty committed to maintaining teaching and research excellence in human geography, physical geography, and GIScience. The department also has a student-centered, award-winning program of academic excellence supporting approximately 40 graduate students (MS and PhD), and 110 undergraduate students majoring in Geography (BA), Sustainability (BA), or Geographic Information Science and Technology (BS). The department has well-outfitted labs for research in physical geography, including labs for preparing, imaging, and analyzing tree-ring samples and an extensive wood collection. To learn more about the department, visit: http://geography.utk.edu.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in Geography or related field at the time of appointment.

Complete applications will include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three separate statements on Research, Teaching, and Contribution to Diversity, and three letters of reference sent by the deadline. Diversity statements should include your planned or existing contributions to diversity in research, teaching and/or service. We encourage women and people from underrepresented groups to apply. All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Kelsey Ellis, Search Committee Chair, Department of Geography, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0925 (ellis@utk.edu). To ensure full consideration, all materials, including references, should be submitted by 27 September 2021. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.