Geoscience Job Board

Assistant Professor of Geology (Tenure-track)

The Department of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences at the University of South Carolina Aiken invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Geology, with an expected start date of August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will join a growing Environmental Earth Systems (B.S.) program committed to excellence in undergraduate education through classroom, laboratory, field, and research experiences. We seek a colleague with expertise in groundwater science, hydrogeology, or a closely related area of water science, and demonstrated experience applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to environmental or water resource questions. Teaching responsibilities include introductory and upper-level undergraduate courses in geology, hydrology, GIS, or related areas, consistent with departmental needs and the successful candidate's expertise. The standard teaching load is 12 contact hours per semester. Additional responsibilities include advising undergraduate students, maintaining an active scholarly program that involves undergraduate researchers, participating in curriculum development, and contributing to departmental, university, and professional service.

Requirements: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Hydrology, Geology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field by the start date of employment; ABD will be considered with degree conferred by the time of appointment. Candidates must demonstrate experience with GIS or other geospatial technologies, show potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching, and demonstrate the ability to develop an active scholarly program that engages undergraduate students. Salary is commensurate and competitive with qualifications and experience.

Preferred: Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching undergraduate courses in environmental science, hydrology, and/or GIS; expertise in groundwater modeling, watershed science, contaminant hydrogeology, surface water–groundwater interactions, water quality, or environmental geochemistry; demonstrated success mentoring undergraduate research; and postdoctoral or other relevant professional experience.

The Department of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences is home to 14 full-time faculty members and approximately 275 undergraduate majors. In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Earth Systems, we offer BS degrees in biology, clinical laboratory science, and public health. To learn more about our department and university, visit: https://www.usca.edu/biology-geology.

USCA is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We strive to cultivate an environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of all individuals.

Application Deadline: November 1, 2026. To be considered for this position, applicants must apply online at: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/211534 and upload the following with their application: a cover letter, a current CV, a teaching philosophy, research statement, unofficial graduate transcripts, and full contact information for three professional references. Finalists will be required to provide official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, as well as three letters of recommendation. Search related questions may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Kelly Gibson at kellygi@usca.edu.

The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA), a public comprehensive university in the University of South Carolina system, offers undergraduate and master’s degrees to more than 4000 students in 60 programs of study. USCA has ranked as one of the best public schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report for the 26th year in a row. Additionally, USCA was recognized for being a Best College for Veterans and a Top Performer in Social Mobility. USCA is South Carolina’s COPLAC institution providing a unique and strong liberal arts core within our degree offerings. We boast students from 35 states and 32 countries. USCA has ten NCAA Division II Athletic programs. For more information about USC Aiken visit www.usca.edu.

Situated on 450 acres, USCA is located thirty minutes from Augusta, GA (home of the Masters Tournament and Fort Gordon, new home of US Army Cyber Command), one hour from Columbia, SC, and within three hours of Charleston, SC, coastal beaches, and the Appalachian Mountains. Aiken is noted for its famous thoroughbred horses, numerous parks and golf courses, wonderful weather, spacious avenues, and historic homes.