Assistant Professor in Environmental Social Science

Overview

The Department of Environment and Society (ENVS) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications by environmental social scientists for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. We welcome a variety of areas of scholarly expertise that build on or complement departmental strengths. Topics might include but are not limited to: energy, water, health and wellbeing, environmental hazards, environmental change, socio-environmental systems, outdoor recreation and tourism, conservation, human dimensions of natural resources, adaptation and resilience, and environmental conflicts.

Relevance to the state of Utah would be especially welcomed. Methods could include GIS and remote sensing, computational social science, quantitative approaches, ethnographic/qualitative approaches, or other. Teaching expectations will include a combination of in-person and online/virtual courses that contribute to the department’s academic programs, including geography and environmental studies/sciences. This tenure-track, full-time academic-year (nine-month) position is based at the USU main campus in Logan.

The emphasis for the position is 50% research, 40% teaching/advising, and 10% service. The position will start August 2026. Background information is available on the webpages for the Department of Environment and Society and its home, the S.J. and Jessie

E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Application review will begin December 1, 2025. The position will remain open until filled, but application by the date above is encouraged for full consideration. Candidates from all backgrounds and populations are encouraged to apply. For further information contact the search committee chair, Dr. Elise Laugier (elise.laugier).

• The successful candidate will lead a research program that builds on a strong social and/or behavioral science expertise.
• Teaching includes three 3-credit courses per academic year, or equivalent. The successful candidate may be asked to teach lower and upper division Geography courses but may also be asked to contribute in other curricular areas.
• Courses may be taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and may be delivered in person, via virtual or online learning, or in a blended format.
• Student advising includes mentoring undergraduate researchers and advising graduate students in a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the success of all students.
• Community engagement, broadly defined, is encouraged. Community engagement in research, teaching, and/or service activities is valued by the Department and it is integrated into the mission, climate, and culture.
• Service includes participation in faculty duties on campus as well as professional involvement off campus.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned PhD at date-of-hire in Environmental Studies, Geography, or a related social or behavioral science field.

Preferred Qualifications

• A publication record consistent with career stage.
• Demonstrated potential to build and maintain a productive research program, including the ability to secure competitive external funding.
• Evidence of successful collaboration with natural and social scientists across disciplines.
• Demonstrated interest in community-engaged research or research outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the inclusion of all groups in society through education, research, or service.
• Training supportive of ability to develop and deliver Geography coursework.
• Prior teaching experience.
• Experience with or the desire to learn about virtual and online course delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a learning community of members from a range of backgrounds and experiences and to foster a sense of belonging for all students.

• Along with the online application, please attach:
• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
• Research statement that covers research experience and interests (3-page maximum) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
• Teaching statement that covers teaching experience…