Assistant Professor of Geosciences bei Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University · Grand Junction, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Onsite
- Junior
- Optionales Büro in Grand Junction
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Assistant Professor of Geosciences
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary: The Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences at ColoradoMesa University invites applications for a tenure-track AssistantProfessor of Geosciences specializing in Applied Geographic InformationSystems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, beginning August 2026.
We welcome applications from candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Mineral and Energy Resources Exploration, AppliedGIS for Earth and Environmental systems, Natural Hazards and Risk Assessment,Remote Sensing and Image Analysis (e.g., multispectral and hyperspectralinterpretation, LiDAR, UAV photogrammetry; Python-based and/orAI-based workflows in ArcGIS Pro), and Planetary Geology.
Theideal candidate will be team-focused and should demonstrate a strong commitmentto undergraduate education, mentoring, and scholarly activity. They should alsosupport a curriculum that integrates field-based, lab-based, and computationalapproaches to prepare students for careers in both industry and academia.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Teach introductory geosciences courses (e.g., Physical Geology, Natural Hazards).
- Teach GIS courses; offerings may include Remote Sensing.
- Contribute to the 6-week Geosciences Summer Field Camp; projects emphasize field-based learning.
- Develop and maintain a research program that engages undergraduate students in solving real-world Earth science problems through geospatial methods and meaningful field experiences.
- Advise and mentor undergraduate students, supporting their academic and professional development.
- Collaborate with faculty to strengthen a curriculum that integrates field, lab, and computational approaches.
Typical teaching load is 12 credits per semester. Field Camp contributions count toward load. The department offers support for geospatial and field-based research, including access to GIS and Remote Sensing labs, UAVs, and software such as ArcGIS Pro and Python-based tools. Faculty also benefit from collaborations with the Unconventional Energy Center and the Water Center.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- Ph.D. in Geosciences or a closely related discipline (e.g., Geography, Environmental Science) with a strong geoscience foundation.
- Demonstrated expertise in geospatial technologies applied to Earth and/or environmental systems.
- Strong background in field-based studies and instruction.
Salary: $63,000.00 - 65,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Physical and Environmental Sciences
Employment Type: Tenure-track Faculty
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 1/11/2026.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
- Curriculum Vitae – Include published papers, manuscripts accepted for publication, proposals submitted and awarded, classes taught, students mentored, awards, and other relevant achievements.
- Cover Letter (1 page) – Summarize your qualifications and interest in the position.
- Teaching Statement (maximum 2 pages) – Describe:
- Previous formal teaching experience and future teaching goals.
- Previous mentoring contributions and future mentoring goals with undergraduate students.
- Approach to creating a sense of belonging in the classroom and employing effective strategies that support the success of all students.
- Research Statement (maximum 2 pages) – Describe:
- Research philosophy.
- Research experience and future goals.
- Mentorship of students conducting research.
- Contact Information for three professional references.
- Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Direct Inquiries Contact: Javier Tellez, [email protected]
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings.
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that’s less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
