Description
The Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability (DGES) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) invites applications for a full-time, 9-month tenured position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in Physical Geography with a start date of Fall 2027. We seek a nationally recognized scholar whose research is centered on climatology. We welcome candidates from a variety of relevant disciplines, including atmospheric sciences, ecology, hydrology, oceanography, or adaptation science.
The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and/or graduate teaching in climatology, physical geography, geospatial techniques, or related disciplines. They will be expected to educate and mentor undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs in climate-related research. Additionally, they will serve as the Host PI and Consortium Director of the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC), where they will have a central role in catalyzing collaborative research related to environmental change and climate adaptation. As Consortium Director, they will supervise and mentor CASC staff, oversee actionable science that benefits natural resource managers, and work with the USGS and the CASC Consortium members to strengthen climate-related research, outreach, and capacity building across the south-central U.S.
This faculty position and the CASC align strongly with the vision of the College and the University of Oklahoma's Lead On University Strategic Plan. It is also highly relevant to Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships' impact-focused research strategy, which includes weather research as one of four key areas. There will be opportunities for collaboration with other faculty working on topics related to impacts of extreme weather, tribal and community resilience, healthy ecosystems, water security, and natural resource management. Through the CASC, this position will also facilitate critical connections of OU with federal agencies and federally recognized Tribes throughout Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in Geography or a closely related discipline with expertise in climate science
• Established record of high-quality research (e.g., peer-reviewed publications) and service (e.g., partnerships with natural resource managers)
• Demonstrated success of obtaining external funding and successfully managing multiple research projects
• Experience in teaching and mentoring students from a wide range of backgrounds
• Relevant leadership experience, including supportive coaching of a team of scientists
Application Instructions
To apply, submit as one single pdf document a comprehensive cover letter (not to exceed 10 pages), current curriculum vitae, and a list with contact information of at least 3 people who can serve as references.
The cover letter must address the candidate's approach to:
• Teaching (past instructional experiences and plans/goals for teaching at the University of Oklahoma, including teaching existing and proposed courses)
• Research (including prior contributions to research and goals for developing a strong research program at the University of Oklahoma)
• Service (their vision for internal service to the academic unit, the College and the University, and for external service to our scientific community and other stakeholders)
• Student mentorship (including past mentorship experiences and/or mentoring approach)
Screening of candidates will begin December 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
