Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies and Sciences

Job Summary

The Environmental Studies and Sciences Program at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in environmental science. This is an open-field search for a natural scientist with expertise related to climate science and environmental public health. Initial appointment to this position will be for a term of four years, beginning fall of 2025, and will carry the rank of Assistant Professor.

About

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, highly selective national liberal arts college near Cleveland, Ohio and is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. Oberlin College was the first college in the US to make interracial education and co-education central to its mission. The College continues to view a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational environment as essential to the excellence of its academic program. Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD programs.

The Environmental Studies and Sciences Program is committed to training the next generation of leaders for building a sustainable, just, and resilient future. Our interdisciplinary program builds a solid foundation in natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities; these provide the lateral rigor necessary to understand and analyze social, economic, and environmental issues from multiple perspectives. Our program is housed in the internationally acclaimed Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies (AJLC) – one of the first advanced green buildings in the country. Together with the teaching and research laboratory next door, the building and landscape provide an exceptional educational environment. The program is also involved in exciting campus-wide sustainability projects such as the Sustainable Infrastructure Project that is transitioning Oberlin College towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2025.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year) including an introductory course (Environment and Society or equivalent) and upper level interdisciplinary environmental science courses in their area of expertise that might include topics such as the science of climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental health sciences, environmental public health, the science of environmental (in)justice, citizen science for climate resilience, the geography of climate change, etc. The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly research and/or other creative work appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research and service on committees.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the Ph.D. degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2025-26. Candidates must demonstrate interest and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Successful teaching experience at the college level is desirable. Oberlin College is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the excellence and diversity of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service. Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran’s status, and/or other protected status as required by applicable law.

Compensation

Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive benefits package.

Special Instructions to Applicants