Assistant Professor of Hydrogeology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Assistant Professor of Hydrogeology

Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science (BGE) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in hydrogeology beginning August 2024. We seek candidates whose research and teaching will address issues in hydrogeology, preferably with experience in karst systems, groundwater modeling, geomicrobiology, geochemistry, and/or related areas of interest; thus, taking advantage of Chattanooga’s location, a region rich in caves and karst topography. We seek a colleague who will contribute to our Geology B.S., Environmental Science B.S., and Environmental Science M.S. degrees in research and teaching. 

The successful candidate’s application will provide evidence of the following preferred qualifications:

• teach at all levels of the curriculum, from undergraduate to graduate,
• develop an independent research program that involves students and attracts extramural funding,
• develop research plan that takes advantage of the Chattanooga area’s rich karst topography and cave systems,
• provide university, community, and professional service,
• have plans to contribute to programs that aim to increase participation of underrepresented groups in the sciences,
• Willingness to engage in assisting the UTC campus in its ability to reach additional goals, as specified in UTC’s strategic plan.

Requirements for the position include:

• a Ph.D. in Geology or closely related field [Individuals who are all but dissertation (ABD) will be considered, however, the degree must be awarded prior to start date],
• the ability to teach introductory geology courses, undergraduate upper-level hydrogeology and advanced courses in area of expertise,
• the ability to establish a successful, extramurally funded research program in hydrogeology with a focus on karst hydrology, groundwater modeling, geomicrobiology, geochemistry, and/or related areas of interest.
• the ability to incorporate GIS in teaching and research,
• the ability to contribute to the Environmental Science B.S. and M.S. programs,
• the ability to work collegially with students, fellow faculty, and staff,
• utilize high impact practices in teaching and student engagement per UTC’s Strategic Plan.

Review of applications will begin on February 10, 2024. To be considered for the position, all applications must include all of the following:

• a cover letter,
• a statement of research experience and vision, providing evidence of position requirements,
• a statement of teaching experience and philosophy, providing evidence of position requirements,
• a curriculum vitae,
• all unofficial transcripts, and
• a list of names, titles, and email addresses for three (3) references for confidential letters of recommendation to be requested at later stages in the search process. At least one reference must be able to comment on teaching ability.

Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Gretchen Potts, Department Head, [email protected] . Applications must be submitted electronically through the UTC Faculty Career Site (tiny.utk.edu/u49cL).

BGE has 35 full-time faculty with almost than 850 majors distributed between B.S. Biology, B.S. Geology, B.S. Environmental Science, and M.S. Environmental Science degrees.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is the second-largest campus in the University of Tennessee System and serves a diverse student body of more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students through five academic colleges. Since its founding as Chattanooga University in 1886, UTC has established a reputation for excellence built on a unique blend of the private and public traditions of American higher education. Today, UTC brings a passion for excellence in all pursuits and is dedicated to making a difference in our community and in the lives of our students.  

At UTC, we welcome and cultivate diverse perspectives and populations—whether shaped by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, intellectual diversity, political beliefs and other life experiences and ideologies—and embrace equity and inclusion.   

UTC is a university distinguished by respect for the dignity, uniqueness, and value of every individual. We foster a campus community that is welcoming and inclusive of all. We value diversity in our workplace and learning environments, benefiting from the varied backgrounds and abilities of our campus community. The diversity of our voices and experiences is vital to our pursuit of excellence and fulfillment of our mission.  

UTC is in the heart of Tennessee’s fourth-largest city, lies along the dam-controlled Tennessee River in the southern Appalachian fold-and-thrust belt, adjacent to the Cumberland Plateau and within view of the Blue Ridge. Its climate, geography, geology, and history contribute to its hydrologic complexities. It is in the southeastern part of the state near the border with Georgia and at the junction of four interstate highways. Conveniently situated within just a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville and Birmingham, Chattanooga offers the opportunity to live and learn in an exciting and enchanting environment. Dubbed the ‘Scenic City,’ and endowed with incredible vistas and popular area attractions, the city has been recognized nationally for its downtown renaissance and a revitalized riverfront that has become the blueprint for other cities to emulate. Chattanooga achieved the first gig internet capacity in the country, and today has the nation’s fastest internet service with a 100% fiber network that links every residence and business in a 600-square mile area.  

The city is home to companies such as Unum, McKee Foods, U.S. Xpress, Volkswagen, Coke United, and Amazon, and a number of tech startups attracted to its blazing fast internet and low cost-of-living. Thousands of visitors are drawn yearly to the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Civil War battlefield sites, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center—Chattanooga African American Museum, Creative Discovery Museum for Children, Riverbend Festival, and the weekly Nightfall Summer Concert Series held in the heart of downtown. Chattanooga also has a long and rich history interwoven with the Civil Rights movement and Native American heritage. The Trail of Tears National Historic Route runs through the city and is on the traditional territory of Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East). 

Whether it’s Chattanooga’s ideal geographical location with comfortable temperatures year-round to suit an active lifestyle, its cultural and culinary diversity, reasonable cost of living, world-class healthcare facilities, reputable educational institutions like UTC, or countless other reasons, it’s no wonder more and more people are choosing to make Chattanooga their home.  

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.