INTRODUCTION

The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut seeks a tenure-track (open rank at Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) faculty to join a cluster hire in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML): Understanding and Addressing Natural and Climate Change-Related Disasters. With hires in Earth Sciences (https://earthsciences.uconn.edu/) , Economics (https://econ.uconn.edu/) , Geography (https://geography.uconn.edu/) , Journalism (https://journalism.uconn.edu/) , and Statistics (https://statistics.uconn.edu/) , the cluster will engage the role of AI/ML in understanding the scientific underpinnings of natural and human-induced environmental risk, human dimensions of hazards and risk mitigation, the economic impacts of these hazards, and meaningful public engagement.

For the Department of Earth Sciences, we seek a colleague who uses and develops AI/ML to enhance disaster preparedness by addressing topics such as predicting the frequency and intensity of natural and climate change-related hazards, understanding their behavior and impacts, and assessing vulnerability associated with them at local and global scales. We welcome applicants across the wide range of Earth Science fields, whose active research may deal with natural hazards and disasters associated with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, or atmosphere. This hire will join a department with strengths in surface processes, sedimentary geology and geochemistry, paleoecology, paleoclimatology, and tectonics. The Department offers a highly collaborative and collegial environment and fosters a diverse and inclusive academic community. More information about the Department can be found at https://earthsciences.uconn.edu/.

The successful candidate is expected to establish an independent research program that will attract external funding and provide research training for graduate and undergraduate students. They will also be expected to provide effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels and participate in professional service to the Department and University. We seek candidates who demonstrate an interest in broadening the participation of members of underrepresented groups, engaging diverse groups through research, teaching, and public engagement, and who are familiar with pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and intellectual interests.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. or international equivalent in Earth Sciences, Geosciences, or a related field by August 2025.

• Demonstrated ability to initiate and lead an independent research program.

• A record of peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.

• Evidence of or potential for excellence in teaching.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching, and/or public engagement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Research program that complements the Department’s strengths.

• Strong record of extramural funding.

• Evidence of excellence in teaching and mentoring.

• Evidence of engagement in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching, and/or public outreach.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This position is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track appointment with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2025. The successful candidate's academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26468 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter

• Curriculum vitae

• Research and scholarship statement (3 pages maximum on research plans, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.)

• Teaching statement (2 pages maximum on teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.)

• Commitment to diversity statement (2 pages maximum on broadening participation, commitment, and experience to support diversity, equity, and inclusion through offering support for success for students of all backgrounds)

• Sample journal articles or books

• Names and contact information for 3 letters of reference

Evaluation of applicants will begin November 22, 2024. For more information regarding the Department of Earth Sciences please visit the Department's website at earthsciences.uconn.edu/.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.