INTRODUCTION

The Department of Geography at the University of Connecticut seeks a full-time, 9-month tenure-track position at the assistant, associate, or full professor levels to join a cluster hire in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AL/ML): Understanding and Addressing Natural and Climate Change-Related Disasters. We seek a colleague who can holistically utilize Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) technologies and methods for addressing issues related to climate-related hazards and risk. Areas of research and teaching focus may entail (but are not limited to) social dimensions of climate extremes and disaster risk, including risk governance, exposure, risk mitigation, disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We expect the candidate to be capable of employing cutting-edge GeoAI technologies, such as deep learning, high-performance computing, virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR), big data visualization, and multidimensional data analysis. This search is with hires in Earth Sciences, Economics, Geography, Journalism, and Statistics. 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.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the department's strength and reputation in interdisciplinary interests and connections. Our faculty's research and teaching focus on four cluster areas: Spatial Analysis of Social Issues, Geographic Information Science & Systems, Earth System Science, and Human-Environment Dynamics. The department has fifteen faculty and offers both B.A. and B.S. in Geography and Geography Information Science (GIS), two minors (Geography and GIS), and four graduate programs (Ph.D., M.A. and M.S., and GIS certificate). The overarching goal of our programs is to train the next generation of students to serve society and be critical spatial thinkers, using geographic theories and approaches to tackle some of the most challenging problems and questions facing the discipline and society. We are deeply committed to encouraging, promoting, supporting, and sustaining an inclusive environment of a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students in our department. As part of this commitment, our vision and initiatives are centered around the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles.

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. in geography or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Demonstrated research potential in geography, GeoAI, with a focus on data-driven methods/applications related to natural disasters, climate change, and environmental problems in general.
• Ability to teach core geography courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• A commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through research, teaching, and service.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated research expertise in tackling cutting-edge geography and GeoAI problems.
• Ability to develop new geography and GeoAI courses related to large-scale data analytics.
• A strong potential for securing external funding.
• Demonstrated teaching and mentoring excellence.
• A commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through research, teaching, and service.

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. 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 online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26486 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Research statement (e.g., prior research findings and impact; future research plans),
• Teaching statement (e.g., teaching experience, teaching philosophy, courses prepared to teach),
• Commitment to diversity statement (e.g., values around social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion; diversity-related experience in teaching, research, and service; plans to continue to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion),
• Sample journal articles or books,
• Contact information for three (3) letters of reference. References will not be contacted without notification of the candidate.

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. Please direct questions regarding the position to Search Chair, Xiang Chen (xiang.chen@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.