Description

Baylor University seeks a visionary leader and accomplished scholar to serve as the inaugural Chair of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES). The Chair will play a central role in developing and advancing an integrated vision for research, education, and program expansion aligned with Baylor's goals as a nationally recognized R1 institution. The Chair will demonstrate a commitment to Baylor's mission as a Christian research university.

The new School, established in June 2026, is being formed through the integration of the Departments of Environmental Science and Geosciences and builds on established strengths across a broad range of earth and environmental systems research and teaching. These include environmental health and toxicology, environmental chemistry, ecosystem and atmospheric modeling, hydrological and surface processes, biogeosciences, climate and paleoclimate, energy geosciences, environmental law and policy, and solid earth and planetary sciences. Committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, SEES is expanding its academic programs and interdisciplinary collaborations to drive continued growth and impact.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Chair will provide strategic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial leadership in shaping SEES identity, advancing its research and academic programs, and increasing its national and international visibility. The successful candidate will lead SEES during a period of anticipated growth, including the expansion of academic programs and increased interdisciplinary collaboration across Earth and Environmental Sciences, while supporting. A commitment to Baylor's mission as a Christian research university is expected.

The Chair will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and university leadership to:

• Develop, articulate, and implement a strategic vision for SEES aligned with Baylor's priorities as a Carnegie-designated R1 institution
• Advance research excellence and external funding
• Strengthen undergraduate and graduate education
• Foster interdisciplinary initiatives within SEES and across the University
• Recruit, mentor, and retain faculty with strong records of research, teaching, and service
• Enhance the School's national and international visibility
• Oversee academic programs, budgeting, personnel, and administrative operations

Candidates who are outside of the United States and do not have other nonimmigrant visa status will not be sponsored for an H-1B petition.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Earned doctorate in Earth Science, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Health, Geoscience, or a closely related field
• Demonstrate scholarship and record of external funding consistent with an appointment as a tenured Professor
• Experience in academic leadership or administration
• Strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring

PREFERRED

• Demonstrated ability to foster collaborative relationships across disciplines and with internal and external partners
• Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for advancing research and academic programs in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• A track record of successfully developing and implementing new initiatives

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials through Interfolio:

• Letter of application addressing interest and qualification, including the following sections:
  • Statement of research interests and accomplishments
  • Statement of teaching philosophy and accomplishments
  • Statement of leadership experience and vision for the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Copy of the official transcript from the highest-degree granting institution
• Curriculum vita
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Selected applicants will be contacted to complete a required, self-disclosed Religious Affiliation Form.

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Nothing received after November 30, 2026 will be considered.

For questions regarding the position, please contact search chair, Dr. Kevin Chambliss, at [redacted].