Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Faculty Posted On: Wed Oct 9 2024 Job Description: The Department of Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) at Western Kentucky University (WKU) is seeking highly qualified applicants for a nine-month tenure-eligible appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor of Disaster Science with an anticipated start date of August 2025. Capitalizing on the recent successes and growth in the Meteorology and Emergency Management Disaster Science programs, WKU is committing to develop a new pillar of academic excellence in Disaster Science and Management. Coinciding with the recent launch of the WKU Consortium of Disaster Science and Management, we seek an interdisciplinary physical scientist with a strong computational background to contribute toward applications of research and teaching in Disaster Science within current and forthcoming degree programs. The successful candidate will specialize in Disaster Sciences and can demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following (in no particular order): + The understanding of societal vulnerabilities to atmospheric hazards, + Disaster management and incident preparedness, + Geospatial assessment of socioeconomic impacts, + The utilization of contemporary methodological approaches such as AI/ML. EEAS currently offers undergraduate programs in Meteorology (the largest in the region; GS-1340), Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies, and Geological Sciences, and graduate programs in Geoscience and Homeland Security Science, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates in Emergency Management Disaster Science and an undergraduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). EEAS is actively developing new degree programs in Disaster Science and Management at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be instrumental in helping to shape these new degree programs and contribute to our sustained trajectory of success. The foundation for EEAS degree programs is centered on the development of nationally recognized innovative applied learning methods, acquisition of nationally competitive external funding for robust research and development, and a strong reputation for excellence and student success. In addition to modern state-of-the-art research and operations facilities, the department has cultivated a number of contemporary initiatives and services that support multi-disciplinary collaborations across the university and with its community and industry partners. This includes the Disaster Science Operations Center (DSOC (https://www.wku.edu/artp/artp\_center\_missions/dsoc\_mission.php) ) and the Kentucky Climate Center (KCC (https://kyclimate.org/) ), both of which are key operational, research, and data management hubs for the university. Job Requirements: + Earned Ph.D. in Disaster Science, Meteorology, Climatology, Geography, or a closely related field at time of appointment. + Must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and research at the undergraduate and graduate levels. + Will be expected to develop a strong externally funded research program to support student success. + Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Additional Information: Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment. Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website. Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.