Assistant Professor of Earth and Climate Sciences and Physics at Bates College

published Oct 18, 2024 12:36pm

The Bates College Department of Earth and Climate Sciences (EACS) and the Department of Physics & Astronomy (P&A) invite applications for a jointly-appointed, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Climate Science to begin August 1, 2025. The new faculty member will be expected to teach at the intersection of EACS and P&A and will have expertise in the computational analysis of one or more components of the climate system. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: climate or paleoclimate modeling, ocean circulation and dynamics, atmospheric physics or general circulation (e.g. clouds, aerosols, radiative transfer), cryospheric sciences (e.g. glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice), or geophysical fluid dynamics.

The Position

The position carries a five course unit annual teaching load split between EACS and P&A. Potential contributions to the curricula highlight the synergy of this position, and might include an introductory course on the climate system, introductory physics, a cross-listed 200-level course in computation and climate modeling, and upper level courses within the candidate's field of expertise. The successful candidate will teach in the general education curriculum, provide academic advising, mentor student theses, and will develop an independent research program that includes undergraduate students from both EACS and P&A.

The duties of the position include the three main areas of faculty work: teaching, professional achievement, and governance and engagement. The standards of excellence for faculty at Bates are articulated in Article II of the faculty handbook, and include a commitment to inclusive and evidence-based pedagogy, impactful professional work, and contributions to the broader Bates community.

Bates supports new faculty with a course reduction in the first year of teaching, formal mentoring, and new faculty development programming. Significant lab space and start-up funding is available, as is a wide range of existing equipment and materials. Multiple full-time assistants in instruction provide logistical support for the introductory laboratories in both departments. College-wide facilities include a staff-supported machine shop, Leavitt High Performance Computing Cluster, Visualization Lab, and a Digital Media Studio, among other facilities.

Application Instructions

Candidates should have completed their Ph.D. with expertise in atmospheric, oceanic, climate sciences, or a related field from any appropriate department (e.g. Earth and Planetary Sciences, Physics, Ocean Science, Geosciences, Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical/Ocean Engineering) by August 1, 2025. Postdoctoral experience is seen as beneficial but is not required.

To receive full consideration, candidates should submit their applications by November 15, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following:

  1. A cover letter addressing interest in the position and Bates College.
  2. A curriculum vitae.
  3. A teaching statement that describes how the applicant meets Bates' standards of excellence in terms of inclusive and evidence-based pedagogy.
  4. A research plan that speaks to the current and future promise of a candidate's professional work as it relates to a diverse undergraduate body. 

Applicants should also anticipate providing three letters of recommendation in the event that they are contacted for an interview.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree.

APPLY HERE