Assistant professor of environmental studies and sciences

The Environmental Studies and Sciences Program at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time tenure track faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in environmental science. This is an open-field search for candidates with principal training in natural science or engineering with expertise related to climate science and/or natural science dimensions of environmental public health. Initial appointment to this position will be for a term of four years, beginning fall of 2026, and will carry the rank of Assistant Professor.

Oberlin is situated on the outskirts of Cleveland, combining a cozy small-town atmosphere with the cultural amenities of a major city. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cinematheque, Karamu House, several educational institutions, and scores of restaurants, bars, music venues, and theaters add to the cultural and educational opportunities of the region.

The Environmental Studies and Sciences Program is committed to training the next generation of leaders for building a sustainable, just, and resilient future. Our interdisciplinary program offers majors in both Environmental Studies and Science. Both majors are designed to build a solid foundation in natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities to provide the lateral rigor necessary to understand and analyze social, economic, and environmental issues from multiple perspectives. Our program is housed in the internationally acclaimed Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies (AJLC) – one of the first and most advanced green buildings in the country. Together with the teaching and research laboratory next door, the building and landscape provide an exceptional educational environment. The campus, City of Oberlin and region also provide prodigious educational opportunities that the program takes full advantage of.

Responsibilities:

The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year) including an introductory course (Environment and Society or equivalent) and upper level environmental science courses in their area of expertise that might include courses focused on the climate mitigation and adaptation technology and engineering, climate change and public health, citizen science for community resilience, distributional impacts of environmental toxins, etc. The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly research and/or other creative work appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research, and service on committees. The Department and the College actively support new faculty with mentoring and professional development opportunities, including a paid pre-tenure leave for those on the standard six-year tenure track, startup support, and internal grants for conference travel and research.

Required Qualifications:

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the PhD degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2026-27). Candidates must demonstrate commitment to and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching.

Review of applications will begin on October 3, 2025 , and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the October 3rd deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.

Questions about the position can be addressed to: [email protected] or [email protected] or by phone at 440-775-8747.