Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

St. Mary's College of Maryland is recruiting a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies to begin August 2025. The successful candidate will join our vibrant community to deepen our commitment to critical climate studies through innovative, project-based teaching and solutions-focused research in collaboration with our students and the regional community. The Environmental Studies Department aims to cultivate leaders and environmental citizens, to develop actionable knowledge, and to devise restorative and resilient responses to climate change that will steward the health of our communities and the planet.

We seek a teacher-scholar to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries to support dynamic, applied learning grounded in imaginative, evidence-based, and effective action. The compelling candidate would hold a Ph.D. by time of hire from any relevant field in the natural sciences, social sciences, or arts and humanities and provide evidence of or potential for a strong record of securing external funding for their scholarly or creative work. Demonstrated experience with or interest in creating place-based teaching methods is highly desired. Strong, collegial communication and collaboration skills are essential. Competitive candidates for the Environmental Studies position will show excellent student-centered instruction and a track record of promoting equity and inclusion in their professional activities.

While specialization is open, we welcome candidates whose teaching and scholarly/creative praxis approach climate resilience from the vantage point of one or more of the following: agroecology and regenerative food systems; resource management and restoration ecology; renewable energy and decarbonization; indigenous, BIPOC, Lantinx, feminist, and decolonial environmentalisms; just transitions and sustainability science; or citizen-science, advocacy, and environmental education. Candidates for this position could employ a wide range of qualitative, arts-based, and/or quantitative research methods depending on their field of expertise, including research that is publicly and civically engaged. Cross- and trans-disciplinary connections anchored in digital analytical technologies such as geospatial applications are considered a plus.

Priority will be given to candidates interested in developing partnerships on campus and   in the surrounding community. Potential partners include but are not limited to The Kate Chandler Campus Community Farm, Office of Sustainability, Historic St. Mary’s City, and a rich and growing network of community and regional organizations.

This position teaches the equivalent of 6 courses per year, including introductory courses, upper division electives within the candidate’s area of expertise, and other courses to fill program needs. Faculty are also expected to contribute to the general (LEAD) curriculum, provide academic advising, mentor senior capstone experiences, and participate in Department and College service. Additional opportunities to apply for Faculty Development Grants are in place to help the new hires develop signature scholarly and creative agendas.

Non-sectarian since its founding, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a public Carnegie Baccalaureate, Arts and Sciences institution located in St. Mary's City, 70 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., has been designated as Maryland's public honors college. With selective admissions policies, academically talented students, and a rigorous curriculum, we offer a small college experience similar to that found at exceptional private colleges. St. Mary’s faculty benefit from a comprehensive program of support for scholarship, research, travel, and curriculum development, including course releases for pre-tenure faculty and leaves for tenured faculty. The quality of life is enhanced by the recreational opportunities of the Chesapeake region and by our proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.

St. Mary's College (www.smcm.edu) embodies diversity and inclusion in its mission. We create an environment that recognizes the value of individual and group differences, and we encourage inquiries from applicants who will contribute to our cultural and ethnic diversity.  Application materials should include a cover letter (within the cover letter, applicants are requested to speak to ways in which their teaching will contribute to a culture of inclusion and campus diversity), curriculum vitae (include email address; statement of teaching philosophy (up to 500 words); statement of research interests (up to 500 words); and evidence of teaching effectiveness (if available). In support of inclusive hiring practices, the College will also request three professional references (rather than letters of recommendation) at the time of application. Of these three references, at least one referee should speak to the candidate's disciplinary expertise and at least one should have seen the candidate deliver or design classroom instruction. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance to finalist interviews. Applications are being accepted online at apply.interfolio.com/154572.  Questions may be directed to the Search Committee Chair at 240-895-4361.

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications October 1 and continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Complete applications submitted by October 15 will receive the fullest consideration. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. St. Mary’s College of Maryland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Visit our website: www.smcm.edu/hr

Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.