Assistant Professor in Geology (Geoscience Education)
Grand Valley State University
Allendale Charter Twp, MI, USA
Posted on Oct 3, 2024
Summary: The Geology Department seeks an assistant professor, full time, 9-month, tenure-track, specializing in Science Education, with potential for success in teaching and scholarship, to begin August 6, 2025. The successful candidate will contribute to the Geology Department, the Integrated Science program, and the Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Teachers (PCKET) program and collaborate with faculty in other sciences, science education, and other education disciplines on curriculum development and/or research.
Required Qualifications and Education:
Ph.D. in Geoscience or Geoscience Education; an ABD candidate will be considered for a two-year contract with the provision that the Ph.D. must be completed by December 2026.
Potential for success in teaching and scholarship.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and cultural humility.
Evidence of one’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. This could be demonstrated by an applicant using inclusive teaching practices; conducting research relating to minoritized populations or social inequality; engaging in community-based outreach to minoritized and underserved communities; or engaging in other kinds of DEI-infused teaching, scholarship, and/or service.
Preferred Qualifications:
Teaching or research experience with preservice teachers.
Ability to integrate other science disciplines, especially life science and climate change.
Potential to involve undergraduate students in geologic and/or geoscience education investigations.
Responsibilities: Duties each semester include a 9-credit hour teaching load, scholarship, service, and a significant focus (equivalent to 3 credit hours) of additional responsibilities in teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and/or service depending on the successful candidate's interests and the department’s needs. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate Integrated Science courses for preservice teachers in the PCKET program and Integrated Science program and Geology courses for majors and non-majors appropriate to the applicant’s area of expertise. Other assignments include student advising, active scholarship, and university and community service.
Minimum Starting Salary: $81,277; commensurate with experience.
Benefits: The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health/vision/dental plans, life insurance, retirement, sick/leave disability, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities. Family and child care options on and off-campus are also available.
Department: The Geology Department at Grand Valley State University places an emphasis on teaching excellence using inclusive pedagogies, active scholarship with diverse learners, and equitable service to the university and community. Its 11 full-time faculty uphold the values of a liberal education while providing intensive engagement in geoscience. High-impact field and lab experiences and community collaboration are hallmarks of our relevant, interdisciplinary curriculum. There are numerous collaborative opportunities for faculty and students across a wide group of partners within the department, across campus and in the community.
The Integrated Science Program at Grand Valley State University is a collaboration between Biology, Geology, Chemistry and Physics to prepare preservice teachers at the primary and secondary levels. Its 10 full-time faculty teach six courses in the Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Teaching (PCKET) major and eight courses in the Science Secondary Education major. This interdisciplinary collaboration enjoys the support of the science departments. In supporting students, faculty have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the university, especially in the PCKET program and the College of Education and Community Innovation.
College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor’s degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.
University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. GVSU has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety and sustainability, veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for faculty and students while promoting enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service. More information can be found at Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu).
How to Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following to the online application:
(1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU
(2) curriculum vitae
(3) teaching philosophy AND research statement in a single document
(4) a statement that describes ongoing and anticipated activities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research/creative activity, and service, with particular attention to experiences engaging and supporting a diverse student body, and
(5) graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply) for ABD candidates
The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215. Email questions about the position to: Dr. Keith Oliver, Geoscience Education Search Committee, Integrated Science Program, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401 oliverke@gvsu.edu.
Application Deadline: Consideration of applicants will begin on November 18, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
For more information about Grand Valley, see our website at www.gvsu.edu
Grand Valley State University is an EOE which includes protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. See http://www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.
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