Assistant Professor in Environmental Science
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
| Job Type | Faculty / Postdoc |
| Salary | Minimum Starting Salary: $72,447 annually; commensurate with experience. |
| Benefits | Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire. |
Summary: The newly formed Environmental Science Program at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty member in Environmental Science to begin Fall 2026. Applicants are expected to have a PhD in Environmental Science or a closely related field. We seek a dynamic and innovative environmental science faculty member who can integrate teaching and scholarship across earth, life, and chemical sciences. This faculty member will be jointly appointed in the Environmental Science program, with the tenure home assigned to Geology, Biology, or Chemistry, depending on area of expertise. Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
Required Qualifications and Education:
- PhD in Environmental Science, or closely related field (Earth Science, Geology, Biology, Environmental Chemistry).
- Potential for successful college-level teaching and impactful instruction at all undergraduate levels, with a commitment to student-centered and engaging pedagogy.
- Expertise using and applying field and laboratory methodologies in environmental science.
- Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary teaching that integrates geology, chemistry, and biology to understand complex systems.
- Interest in contributing to first-year environmental science instruction.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to respectfully interact with others with respect and cultural humility.
- Commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
Preferred Qualifications and Education:
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to the broader mission of the program and university.
- Professional experience working in the environmental science sector.
- Experience contributing to first-year environmental science instruction.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with private, local, state, tribal, or federal agencies.
Responsibilities:
- The successful candidate will teach environmental science courses and, depending on specialization, contribute to courses in geology, biology, chemistry, or natural resource management programs at Grand Valley State University.
- Contribute to the first-year environmental science curriculum, fostering a strong foundation for incoming students.
- Develop and maintain an active research program that involves undergraduate students, with an emphasis on laboratory or field-based studies.
- Tenure-line faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are typically hired on nine-month contracts, with a nine-credit hour teaching load per semester. They are also expected to engage in scholarly/creative activity, service, and a significant focus, which is equivalent to three credit hours of additional responsibilities in teaching, scholarly/creative activity, and/or service depending on the successful candidate’s interests and the department’s needs.
- Participate in student advising, departmental service activities, and curriculum development.
Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following items to the online application (combined files cannot exceed 5 MB):
- A cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Statement of research philosophy
- Graduate transcripts (unofficial transcripts issued to students are acceptable)
The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation prior to the interview. If you need assistance, email Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu . Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Tara Kneeshaw (kneeshta@gvsu.edu).
Please note that GVSU may not be able to provide sponsorship for this role. Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States) on or before the effective date of appointment.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
| Category | Ecology |
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