New Position in Human-Environment Interaction

Position:

The Department of Geography at the University of Iowa invites applications for a full-time tenure track appointment at the Assistant Professor level. We seek an individual with research interests in human-environment interactions who will broadly complement one or more of the department’s existing strengths in geographic information science, land use science, environmental policy, biogeography, or health geography. The applicant’s primary teaching and research interests may lie in the study of biophysical, social/economic, or coupled biophysical/social processes. The Department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are strongly committed to gender and ethnic diversity; the strategic plans of the University, College and Department reflect this commitment.

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate evidence of their ability to publish in leading academic journals and secure external support for their research activities commensurate with career stage. The appointment will begin in August 2009. A Ph.D. in geography or related discipline is required at the time of appointment.

Applications should be submitted online at http://jobs.uiowa.edu/ (requisition #55842). Attachments to the application should include a letter of application and curriculum vitae. The letter of application includes: a statement of teaching interest, a statement of research interest, and evidence of teaching ability. Three letters of recommendation should be mailed to: Dr. David Bennett, 316 Jessup Hall, Department of Geography, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242. Screening of applications will begin October 1, 2008 and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Bennett (david-bennett@uiowa.edu or 319 335-0158).

Department:

Six years ago the department charted a new course focused on human-environment interactions informed by geographic information science. Our strategy is to develop a department of international stature that is focused on the production of science-based research and education within this sub-area of geography. This strategy has proved successful.

This position will be the fourth recent hire within our focal area. The faculty has been successful in publication and grantsmanship- ranking at or near the top of our peer group in terms of publications and grant dollars per faculty member. We have competed successfully in highly competitive grant programs and have recent funding from NSF, NASA, NIH, USDA, and NGA. We have reached out to maintain and create important links across campus and across institutions. We have for, example, ongoing collaborative research projects with faculty from the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research, Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Public Health, International Programs, and the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination. Furthermore, we play an important role in the university’s new sustainability program.

We have developed a state of the art GIS teaching facility for both in laboratory and mobile applications and have received strong support from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the continued maintenance of this facility. With this hire, we aim to add a highly qualified, energetic individual in the general area of human-environment interaction to our faculty. As suggested above, we are looking for an individual with a very promising academic career and the ability to complement the expertise of existing faculty members and are open to a wide variety of specialties.

Iowa City:

Iowa certainly has the reputation of endless seas of corn. However, eastern Iowa is strongly influenced by the Mississippi and its tributaries and the scenic beauty of the resulting rolling topography rivals that of any across the Midwest. Whether it is hiking nearby Sugar Bottom, sailing Lake Macbride, or visiting the venerable Amana Colonies, there is a vast array of activities for everyone around the region. In fact, both Outside Magazine and National Geographic Adventure Magazine rate Iowa City one of the best places to live:

Iowa City itself, of course, has the wonderful reputation of many Midwestern university towns. A vibrant intellectual and cultural atmosphere, diverse international community, a dynamic downtown full of shops and restaurants that is adjacent to campus, great public education system, friendly people, affordable homes, easy commutes, and many other assets that make it one of the highest ranked cities in the country:

Please feel free to contact any of the faculty members if you have any questions.