Assistant Professor of Earth and Space Sciences

Department of Earth and Space Sciences

Central Connecticut State University invites applications for an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth & Space Sciences. The successful candidate will be responsible for undergraduate courses in the earth and space sciences and for contributing to the department and university through research and service.

As we celebrate 175 years of academic excellence and innovation, we invite you to be a part of our mission at CCSU. Explore the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and the broader community, please visit CCSU to learn more.

About the Department

The Earth and Space Sciences department offers undergraduate coursework in the earth sciences, astronomy, and science education leading to a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences with specializations in Environmental Geoscience, Geology, General Earth Science, Planetary Geology, or Secondary Education (certifiable in CT) in addition to minors in Astrobiology, Astronomy, Earth Science, and Geology and courses for an interdisciplinary Climate Change Studies program. Our programs stress a balance of classroom, field, and laboratory experiences for students. Current faculty conduct active research programs in depositional environments, contaminants fate and transport within the critical zones, history of science, hydrogeology, impact cratering, infrared remote sensing, science education, and tectonic reconstruction.

For more information about the Earth and Space Sciences department, including a description of our curriculum and facilities, please visit the website.

Position Profile

We seek a teaching-focused candidate with experience in undergraduate instruction in the earth sciences, specifically in earth materials and structural geology and involving laboratory and field experiences, research interests that are synergistic with department curricula and current expertise. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to mentoring undergraduates through thoughtful advising and providing opportunities for all students to develop career-related skills through participation in ongoing research projects and presentations at professional meetings.

For more information on AAUP conditions of employment please visit the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Applicant Evaluative Criteria

Applicant profiles and supplementary materials will be evaluated for appointment based on the following required criteria:

Education:

• Ph. D. in Earth Sciences, Geology, Geosciences, or a related field.

Experience and Training:

• Experience teaching undergraduate-level courses
• Research interests appropriate to the department of Earth & Space Sciences

Ideal Candidate

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

• Demonstrated ability to teach and develop courses for majors in Earth Materials (Mineralogy, Petrology), Structural Geology (Tectonics), and/or Field Methods
• Past experience teaching introductory science courses and labs for non-majors
• Experience developing or leading laboratory or field-based educational activities
• Experience involving undergraduates in ongoing research projects
• Demonstrated commitment to public outreach and involvement with student organizations
• Successful track record obtaining external grant funding to support research and/or curriculum development projects
• Ability to build research collaborations within the department and school
• Industrial or Postdoctoral experience

To Apply

To begin the application process, select the apply button and electronically submit the following documents. Applications must be received by February 16, 2026.

• Cover letter addressing the required qualifications for the position
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Names of three professional references, including their email addresses and telephone numbers. At least one of the three references should be able to speak to your teaching abilities

Please submit the following required material in a combined file under additional material:

• One document (not to exceed 3 pages) addressing teaching philosophy and research interests, including potential new courses and research projects that could involve CCSU students.
• For ABD (all but dissertation) candidates, letter from thesis advisor stating anticipated date of completion.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. E-mailed, and mailed applications will not be accepted. Please redact any personally identifiable information (i.e., Social Security Number, date of birth, marital status, country of origin) from any documents submitted.

For more information contact Dr. Jennifer Piatek, Search Committee Chair, at 860-832-2929 or piatekjel@ccsu.edu

Compensation and Employee Benefits

In accordance with the Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Collective Bargaining Union Contract, compensation for this position is at the rank of Assistant Professor for 2025-2026. Salary starting at $72,497 is commensurate with education and experience. For more information on the AAUP Collective Bargaining Agreement, please visit AAUP.

The State of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University are proud to offer its employees competitive wages and a wide range of fringe benefits including voluntary and supplemental benefits.

Fringe benefits include: paid personal, and sick leave accruals; medical, dental, and prescription plans; group life insurance; retirement; retiree health care; tuition waiver for employee and eligible dependents at any of the Connecticut State Universities (Central, Eastern, Southern or Western) as well as an array of voluntary and supplemental benefits such as Deferred Retirement Contribution plans, Dependent Care Assistance and Medical Flexible spending accounts; long and short term disability insurance plans.

For more detailed information, please visit CCSU Human Resources.