Assistant Professor in Environmental Science

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.

   

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.

Department: The newly developed Environmental Science Program is an interdisciplinary major and involves collaboration between several departments at Grand Valley State University (Environmental Science - Grand Valley State University). The program places an emphasis on teaching excellence using engaging pedagogies, active scholarship, and impactful service to the university and community. Faculty involved in the Environmental Science Program uphold the values of a liberal education while providing intensive engagement in life and physical sciences. High-impact field and lab experiences and community collaboration are hallmarks of our relevant, interdisciplinary curriculum. There are numerous collaborative opportunities for faculty and students across a wide group of partners within the department, across campus and in the community.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts over 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at the Community Resources page on Grand Valley State University Human Resources website.

How To Apply: 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.

Application Deadline: Consideration of applicants will begin on November 3, 2025. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.