Assistant Professor in Earth Surface Processes

The School of Natural Sciences at the University of California, Merced is seeking one new faculty member at the Assistant (tenure-track) level in Earth Surface Processes. Candidates in all areas of geomorphology, geophysics, fluvial or aeolian processes, ecohydrology, watershed modeling or related fields are encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome candidates that consider effects of accelerated rate of anthropogenic and climate change on landform evolution (both marine and terrestrial), and with research interests that use/focus on emerging cross-disciplinary approaches such as: the coevolution of landscapes, climate, tectonic systems, life, and Earth’s sedimentary record; land-water-soil change and impacts; earth surface processes occurring at urban-agricultural-wildland interfaces; and natural hazards over any spatial and temporal scales. The successful candidate must have a strong publication record and have demonstrated the potential to develop and support an independent, innovative research program and to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with life, earth, and environmental scientists across the UC Merced community. We seek outstanding scholars who will establish and maintain creative research programs; participate in creating a multi-faculty specialization in geosciences, earth science, environmental sciences, or a related field at UC Merced; participate actively in the development of innovative interdisciplinary programs and research; and, teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The successful candidate will be affiliated with the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, in the School of Natural Sciences at UC Merced.

Qualifications: The candidate will have earned a Ph.D. degree in geosciences, earth science, environmental sciences, or a related field at the time of the appointment.

Applications must be submitted via the website and must include: (1) a cover letter stating research areas of interest; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) research statement; (4) teaching statement; (5) a diversity, equity and inclusion statement*; and (6) names of three references. Please see below for additional instructions.

Applicants should include a list of three references, along with their positions and contact information, with their applications. Letters of reference are not required at this time. Once the search committee has determined the short list of candidates, the search committee chair will request letters of recommendation at that time.

*The contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion statement should describe your past experience, activities and future plans to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, in alignment with UC Merced’s mission to reflect the diversity of California and to meet the educational needs and interests of its diverse population. Some faculty candidates may not have substantial past activities. If that is the case, we recommend focusing on future plans in your statement. For an example of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement, please visit http://facultyexcellence.ucsd.edu/c2d/index.html#Are-there-any-guidelines-for-wr and/or https://ofew.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/example_statements_contributions_to_diversity.pdf.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students (https://www.ucmerced.edu/fast-facts), UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from all qualified applicants, including women, minorities, veterans, and individual with disabilities, who will enrich the teaching, research and public service missions of the university. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy (https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/DiscHarassAffirmAction).

Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and UC academic salary scales.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2020, with a final closing date of June 30, 2020.

For additional information, please contact Professor Asmeret Asefaw Berhe at [email protected].

Merced, CA