Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies​/College of Liberal Arts

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

1201 W. University Drive

Human Resources

MASS Building 2 nd Floor

Edinburg, TX 78539

Contact

• Edinburg:
• Brownsville:

Office Hours

• Monday-Friday: 8:00a.m.
  
  - 5:00p.m.

College of Engineering & Computer Science: cecs

Robert

C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship: cobe

We seek applicants who are dedicated to serving The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s student body as an Assistant Professor of the School of Interdisciplinary Programs and Community Engagement beginning in the  academic year.

The School of Interdisciplinary Programs and Community Engagement ( SIPCE ) seeks to fill a fulltime tenure track Assistant Professor position in the area of Environmental Studies beginning September 1, 2027. SIPCE seeks a faculty member whose teaching, research, and community engagement addresses the complex relationships between humans and technical and ecological systems.

The successful candidate will contribute to the continued development of the Environmental Studies program while strengthening SIPCE’s capacity for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching, research, and community‑engaged scholarship. The position is particularly suited to a scholar interested in examining complex environmental challenges through approaches that integrate the social sciences, humanities, environmental sciences, policy, and/or other relevant fields.

The faculty member will be expected to develop and maintain an active program of scholarship addressing the human dimensions of environmental change. Areas of specialization may include, but are not limited to sustainability; environmental and climate justice; environmental governance and policy;
Food‑Energy‑Water systems; climate adaptation; water and energy transitions; environmental health and wellbeing; sustainable development; infrastructure; disaster vulnerability and resilience; political ecology; environmental migration; community resilience; and just and sustainable transitions.

The faculty member will teach undergraduate courses in Environmental Studies and may contribute to graduate education and other interdisciplinary programs within SIPCE and across UTRGV . Teaching responsibilities will include introductory and upper‑division Environmental Studies courses, courses within the candidate’s area of specialization, and experiential or community‑engaged learning opportunities. The successful candidate will also mentor students in research, internships, applied projects, and other high‑impact educational experiences.

The position is expected to contribute to the growth of SIPCE’s research portfolio through peer‑reviewed scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, external funding, and the development of research partnerships within and beyond the University. The successful candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with faculty across UTRGV and to participate in initiatives addressing environmental sustainability, resilience, and community engagement.

Of particular importance is the opportunity to connect Environmental Studies with initiatives such as the Gulf Scholars Program and the Center for Community Resilience Research, Innovation and Advocacy ( CCRRIA ). The successful candidate will be expected to recognize the Rio Grande Valley and the broader Gulf region as important sites of knowledge production. In addition to teaching and research, the faculty member will participate in appropriate service to the Environmental Studies program, SIPCE , the University, the profession, and surrounding communities.

UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique…