Assistant Professor in Earth Sciences – Snow Sciences
Montana State University
Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25047 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Dr. Eric Sproles
Department of Earth Sciences
406.994.6917
eric.sproles@montana.edu Classification Title Working Title Assistant Professor in Earth Sciences – Snow Sciences Brief Position Overview The Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University invites applications for the position of tenure-track Assistant Professor in Snow Sciences. We are seeking an outstanding researcher and educator to develop and lead a successful research program in snow sciences, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and teach undergraduate and graduate curricula in Earth Sciences. Desired research areas include avalanches and hazard planning, snow as a critical water resource, snow hydrology/geophysics, meteorology and weather forecasting, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, and climate change. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Assistant Professor Position Number 4A4048 Department Earth Sciences Division College of Letters & Science Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University invites applications for the position of tenure-track Assistant Professor in Snow Sciences. We are seeking an outstanding researcher and educator to develop and lead a successful research program in snow sciences, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and teach undergraduate and graduate curricula in Earth Sciences. Desired research areas include avalanches and hazard planning, snow as a critical water resource, snow hydrology/geophysics, meteorology and weather forecasting, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, and climate change.
Montana State University values all perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting, and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds. We hope to attract applicants who can teach in a University community and have demonstrated ability in helping students from all backgrounds to succeed. Duties and Responsibilities The candidate will be expected to contribute to our undergraduate major, as well as contribute to the graduate curriculum with courses specific to the candidate’s research specialty. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills PhD in Earth Sciences, Geography, or Engineering with a research focus on Snow Sciences and related fields. Demonstrated research experience as evidenced by a record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to the candidate’s career stage. Strong record or potential for funding a robust independent research program within transdisciplinary research teams appropriate to the candidate’s career stage. Demonstrated potential to effectively teach lower and upper-level courses related to snow sciences. Demonstrated success or potential teaching in backcountry field settings. Demonstrated potential for excellence in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Demonstrated application of relevant skills and technology (e.g., SAR, remote sensing, GeoAI, GPR, GIS, LiDAR). Demonstrated expertise in assessing slope stability concerning risk assessment. Demonstrated potential to develop regionally relevant research. Experience integrating two or more of the research and teaching areas described above. Work experience or collaboration with snow science professionals (e.g., avalanche forecast centers, government agencies, private industry, ski patrols). Evidence of teaching with emergent learning platforms. Demonstrated commitment to supporting, promoting, and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds, through research, teaching, service, or lived experience. The Successful Candidate Will Have an appreciation for all constituencies and have demonstrated ability in helping students from all backgrounds to succeed. Dedication to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Required Application Documents:
Curriculum Vitae Research Statement (not to exceed 2 pages) Teaching Statement (not to exceed 2 pages)
Snow Scientist with expertise in avalanches and hazard planning, snow as a critical water resource, snow hydrology/geophysics; complemented by expertise in meteorology and weather forecasting, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, and climate change.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program The successful candidate will complement existing departmental strengths and be expected to develop a nationally competitive research program supported by extramural grant funds. This candidate will also play a leadership role in maintaining a vibrant and successful graduate and undergraduate option in snow science, with a considerable teaching component centered on snow resources, avalanches and alpine hazards, alpine hydrology, climate, and mountain geography.
The candidate will be expected to teach graduate and undergraduate courses such as Snow Dynamics and Accumulation, Weather and Climate, Mountain Geography, and/or a course in their area of expertise. The successful candidate will join a department with a strong legacy in leading cutting-edge research and mentorship of the next generation of snow sciences professionals. The Department of Earth Sciences values all perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds. The Department Based in Bozeman, MT, our department is distinguished by our spectacular location—where the Rocky Mountains meet the Northern Great Plains. Here, the headwaters of the Missouri River create living laboratories for our students and faculty. Earth Sciences takes the Montana State University tagline – “Mountains and Minds” quite literally.
Our faculty includes 14 full-time Earth Scientists, and our student body includes about 50 graduate students and over 230 undergraduate majors. We are proud to offer degrees at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels. Our faculty, staff, and students use their minds for learning and discovery in the scenic and rugged mountains of southwest Montana, as well as in mountainous areas and rural landscapes around the nation and worldwide. Earth Sciences students have many opportunities to participate in field trips that facilitate the study of Earth processes, Earth resources, Earth history, and environments that people have modified. We invite applicants to further explore the opportunities to engage with our programs. The College The College of Letters and Science is the largest center for learning, teaching, and research at Montana State University. Offering 17 majors with 40 options and 29 minors, the college teaches students to think critically, solve problems, communicate clearly, understand various disciplines, and learn about different cultures. The college seeks to develop students in life-long learners and leaders by cultivating their inquisitive and scholarly instincts. Many of our faculty members are well-known nationally and internationally for their contributions to their field. They have an impressive record for winning highly competitive grants to support research and scholarship, with over $31.9 million in research grants last year. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date August 2025 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on December 11, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. FLSA Details FLSA Determination FLSA Status Exempt Applicant Documents Required Documents Curriculum Vitae Research Statement Teaching Statement Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
Department of Earth Sciences
406.994.6917
eric.sproles@montana.edu Classification Title Working Title Assistant Professor in Earth Sciences – Snow Sciences Brief Position Overview The Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University invites applications for the position of tenure-track Assistant Professor in Snow Sciences. We are seeking an outstanding researcher and educator to develop and lead a successful research program in snow sciences, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and teach undergraduate and graduate curricula in Earth Sciences. Desired research areas include avalanches and hazard planning, snow as a critical water resource, snow hydrology/geophysics, meteorology and weather forecasting, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, and climate change. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Assistant Professor Position Number 4A4048 Department Earth Sciences Division College of Letters & Science Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University invites applications for the position of tenure-track Assistant Professor in Snow Sciences. We are seeking an outstanding researcher and educator to develop and lead a successful research program in snow sciences, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and teach undergraduate and graduate curricula in Earth Sciences. Desired research areas include avalanches and hazard planning, snow as a critical water resource, snow hydrology/geophysics, meteorology and weather forecasting, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, and climate change.
Montana State University values all perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting, and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds. We hope to attract applicants who can teach in a University community and have demonstrated ability in helping students from all backgrounds to succeed. Duties and Responsibilities The candidate will be expected to contribute to our undergraduate major, as well as contribute to the graduate curriculum with courses specific to the candidate’s research specialty. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills PhD in Earth Sciences, Geography, or Engineering with a research focus on Snow Sciences and related fields. Demonstrated research experience as evidenced by a record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to the candidate’s career stage. Strong record or potential for funding a robust independent research program within transdisciplinary research teams appropriate to the candidate’s career stage. Demonstrated potential to effectively teach lower and upper-level courses related to snow sciences. Demonstrated success or potential teaching in backcountry field settings. Demonstrated potential for excellence in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Demonstrated application of relevant skills and technology (e.g., SAR, remote sensing, GeoAI, GPR, GIS, LiDAR). Demonstrated expertise in assessing slope stability concerning risk assessment. Demonstrated potential to develop regionally relevant research. Experience integrating two or more of the research and teaching areas described above. Work experience or collaboration with snow science professionals (e.g., avalanche forecast centers, government agencies, private industry, ski patrols). Evidence of teaching with emergent learning platforms. Demonstrated commitment to supporting, promoting, and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds, through research, teaching, service, or lived experience. The Successful Candidate Will Have an appreciation for all constituencies and have demonstrated ability in helping students from all backgrounds to succeed. Dedication to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Required Application Documents:
Curriculum Vitae Research Statement (not to exceed 2 pages) Teaching Statement (not to exceed 2 pages)
Snow Scientist with expertise in avalanches and hazard planning, snow as a critical water resource, snow hydrology/geophysics; complemented by expertise in meteorology and weather forecasting, atmospheric sciences, remote sensing, and climate change.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program The successful candidate will complement existing departmental strengths and be expected to develop a nationally competitive research program supported by extramural grant funds. This candidate will also play a leadership role in maintaining a vibrant and successful graduate and undergraduate option in snow science, with a considerable teaching component centered on snow resources, avalanches and alpine hazards, alpine hydrology, climate, and mountain geography.
The candidate will be expected to teach graduate and undergraduate courses such as Snow Dynamics and Accumulation, Weather and Climate, Mountain Geography, and/or a course in their area of expertise. The successful candidate will join a department with a strong legacy in leading cutting-edge research and mentorship of the next generation of snow sciences professionals. The Department of Earth Sciences values all perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds. The Department Based in Bozeman, MT, our department is distinguished by our spectacular location—where the Rocky Mountains meet the Northern Great Plains. Here, the headwaters of the Missouri River create living laboratories for our students and faculty. Earth Sciences takes the Montana State University tagline – “Mountains and Minds” quite literally.
Our faculty includes 14 full-time Earth Scientists, and our student body includes about 50 graduate students and over 230 undergraduate majors. We are proud to offer degrees at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels. Our faculty, staff, and students use their minds for learning and discovery in the scenic and rugged mountains of southwest Montana, as well as in mountainous areas and rural landscapes around the nation and worldwide. Earth Sciences students have many opportunities to participate in field trips that facilitate the study of Earth processes, Earth resources, Earth history, and environments that people have modified. We invite applicants to further explore the opportunities to engage with our programs. The College The College of Letters and Science is the largest center for learning, teaching, and research at Montana State University. Offering 17 majors with 40 options and 29 minors, the college teaches students to think critically, solve problems, communicate clearly, understand various disciplines, and learn about different cultures. The college seeks to develop students in life-long learners and leaders by cultivating their inquisitive and scholarly instincts. Many of our faculty members are well-known nationally and internationally for their contributions to their field. They have an impressive record for winning highly competitive grants to support research and scholarship, with over $31.9 million in research grants last year. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date August 2025 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on December 11, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. FLSA Details FLSA Determination FLSA Status Exempt Applicant Documents Required Documents Curriculum Vitae Research Statement Teaching Statement Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
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