Assistant Professor in Geographic Information Science
The Department of Geography & Sustainability at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking applicants for a tenure-track position in Geographic Information Science at the Assistant Professor level starting August 1, 2025. We are especially interested in scholars making theoretical advances in the areas of GeoAI, spatio-temporal modeling, or geospatial data science. Applicants who would contribute to existing department strengths in human dynamics, human-environment interaction, hazards, or environmental geography are strongly encouraged.
The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain a strong program of research and publication in Geographic Information Science and to develop a robust, externally funded research portfolio that advances the candidate’s research as well as the mission of the Department of Geography & Sustainability. The successful candidate will provide support to our degree programs by teaching engaged undergraduate and graduate courses (3–4 courses/year), and taking an active role in bringing currency and creativity to curriculum development. They will also provide service to the department, university, and discipline. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. UTK is a land-grant university and values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching, and service, and considers evidence of these commitments in the records of applicants. The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. Applicants must have a doctoral degree in Geography or related field at the time of appointment.
The Department of Geography & Sustainability occupies the Burchfiel Geography Building at the heart of the Knoxville campus. The department consists of 26 full-time faculty committed to maintaining teaching and research excellence in human geography, physical geography, sustainability, and GIScience. The department also has a student-centered, award-winning program of academic excellence supporting approximately 50 graduate students (MS and PhD), and 200 undergraduate students majoring and minoring in Geography (BA), Sustainability (BA), or Geographic Information Science and Technology (BS). To learn more about the department, visit: http://geography.utk.edu.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the flagship educational institution in the State of Tennessee. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities. Knoxville is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Knoxville has a metropolitan population of 850,000 people, and the region houses many leading science agencies, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications: The candidate must be a Geographic Information Scientist and have earned a PhD in Geography, Geospatial Science, or in a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications: Ability to teach courses related to GeoAI and geospatial programming.
Application Instructions
Candidates should apply through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/150230, providing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and two separate statements on Research and Teaching. In addition to addressing their qualifications for the position in their application, candidates may describe how they would help promote students’ access to educational advancement and inclusion in the department and the University of Tennessee through their teaching and research/scholarship/creative activities. Candidates must also arrange to have three letters of reference sent by the deadline. All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Yingkui Li, Search Committee Chair, Department of Geography & Sustainability, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0925 (yli32@utk.edu). To ensure full consideration, all materials, including references, should be submitted by September 6, 2024, at 5 PM EST. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.
