Assistant Professor of Geographic Information Science (GIScience)

by EES Social Media Fellow
Duties:

Service: Service responsibilities include departmental, university, and professional activities. In addition, engagement in outreach and public service is encouraged, particularly GIScience training programs and collaboration with the Cooperative Extension Service at UAF and throughout Alaska.

Essential Research: The candidate is expected to develop a strong program of research and publication in GIScience and to develop a robust research portfolio. Research responsibilities will be carried out within an appointment with the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and will include conducting applied and basic research projects in GIScience. The successful candidate will be expected to secure and maintain internal (capacity) and external funding to support research advancing the UAF land grant mission. Although research specializations are open, preferred areas of expertise include application of GIS to natural resource decision making in a changing environment. The successful candidate is expected to build collaborations within UAF research programs that are users of GIS and with state and federal agencies to conduct research and provide workforce development opportunities for students.Essential 

Instruction: This position will be responsible for teaching 3-4 courses per year, including two undergraduate courses (NRM 338 “Introduction to Geographic Information Systems,” NRM 435 “GIS Analysis”), plus a graduate course. Currently, the graduate courses alternate between NRM 638 “GIS Programming” and NRM 641 “Natural Resource Applications of Remote Sensing.” The candidate will also play an important role in the development, implementation, and management of new GIS undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. There may be additional opportunities to develop new courses that meet curricular needs or that are based on faculty expertise. Advising responsibilities include advising and research mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students in the Natural Resources and Environment program and related fields.Essential

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Department of Natural Resources and Environment invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in the field of Geographic Information Science (GIScience). We seek an innovative individual committed to excellence in teaching and research in the context of UAF’s land grant mission. The location in an area experiencing rapid environmental change affords unique research opportunities in the field of GIScience, and many opportunities exist for developing collaborative research with new and existing research programs. In 2018, UAF was ranked one of the top 10 small universities in the world by Times Higher Education.

Required Qualifications:

  • Strong competency in spatial and data analysis, spatial statistics, cartographic visualization techniques, desktop GIS software, online mapping, Python and other automated GIS workflows.
  • Demonstrated competence in ArcGIS platforms.
  • Ability to work with a diverse population and to contribute to the diversity and inclusion goals of the University.
  • Record of research publications and presentations
  • History of active participation in collaborative research.
  • Experience in using GIS to address issues in natural resources and the environment.
  • Success in obtaining funding through competitive grant programs (including graduate or postdoctoral fellowships and grants).
  • Record of excellence in teaching, including as a teaching assistant

Desired Qualifications:

  • Background in remote sensing.
  • Established record of publication in peer reviewed journals
  • Ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students

Required Education:

PhD in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geosciences, Geography, or related field prior to hire.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your application through Careers @ UA, and include the following:

  1. Resume or curriculum vitae
  2. Letter of interest (cover letter)
  3. Statement of teaching philosophy
  4. List of 3 professional references, to include at least one current or previous supervisor, and contact information (phone and e-mail required)

Application materials will require the contact information of three professional references. This position is open until filled. Please submit your application on/by 11:59 pm (AKST) Sunday, June 30, 2019. Applications submitted after that date/time will be saved, however, there is no guarantee the application will be reviewed or considered. For more information on the position please contact David Valentine, Director of Academic Programs, at dvalentine@alaska.edu.

Background Check:

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Union Representation:

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC).

Training Policy:

It is the policy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks that all employees are required to attend training to meet the requirements of the positions they hold, and to complete the required training within a specified period of time to remain employed at UAF. The policy can be located at:  http://www.uaf.edu/chancellor/policy/04.07.010/

Tobacco-Free Campus:

UAF Campus is a tobacco free campus. For more information, please go to: http://www.uaf.edu/tobaccofreecampus/

Notice of Nondiscrimination:

The University of Alaska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution. The University of Alaska does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, or other legally protected status. The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination, including against sex discrimination, applies to students, employees, and applicants for admission and employment. Contact information, applicable laws, and complaint procedures are included on UA’s statement of nondiscrimination available at www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

APPLICATION INFORMATION