Academic Specialist-Teaching, fixed-term (9 months), Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences

The College of Natural Science at Michigan State University welcomes applications for a
full-time, 9-month, fixed-term Academic Specialist-Teaching position beginning January 1, 2024 (with the expectation of yearly re-appointments based on satisfactory performance and continued funding). The individual selected for this position will teach undergraduate courses to geoscience majors in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science (EES) and general-education courses on geoscience-related topics. The expected teaching load is three courses per academic semester. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary, benefits, and access to opportunities for professional development (e.g., trainings in pedagogy, technology, etc.). The College seeks candidates whose teaching and/or mentoring has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) at MSU has a longstanding record of working collaboratively to communicate key topics related to the earth and environment to both STEM majors and general science audiences. EES is a vibrant and dynamic unit within the College of Natural Science, consisting of faculty and students studying diverse areas of geoscience ranging from the environment to the solid earth to science education. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in Historical Geology, Paleontology, and Sedimentology/Stratigraphy for geoscience majors, as well as integrative science courses for non-science majors (e.g., History of Life; Natural Hazards and the Environment; Global Change) as assigned. EES promotes scientific, quantitative, and information literacy built on a foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion and focused on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to face the challenges of a changing planet.

Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. in earth sciences, environmental sciences or a related field and experience in teaching undergraduate earth and environmental science courses either as a Teaching Assistant or Instructor of Record. The ideal candidate will also have experience and/or commitment to teaching undergraduate students from broadly diverse demographic and social backgrounds. Candidates who employ innovative, evidence-based science teaching practices in their pedagogical approach are especially sought.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and a 3-page cover letter that discusses your interest in the position, your teaching philosophy and experience, and a description of how issues of diversity and inclusion shape your pedagogy to jobs.msu.edu (posting #877639). Applicants should also provide the contact information for three professional references; letters will be requested during the screening process. Review of applications will begin September 1, 2023 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Please direct questions regarding the position to Matt Schrenk, Earth & Environmental Sciences and Chair of the Search Committee (schrenkm@msu.edu).