"Professorships in Climate and the Environment"

Job Details

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) is searching for two leading scholars for named Professorships in Climate and the Environment.

The first is the Paul Tudor Jones Jefferson Scholars Foundation University Professorship in Climate and the Environment. With a primary appointment in the Department of Environmental Sciences, the University Professor will work collaboratively among a set of programs at UVA, and will be affiliated with the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. This appointment is at the endowed Full Professor rank in the natural sciences; University Professors are the highest rank of scholars at the UVA, with distinguished research portfolios and reputations.

The successful candidate will have expertise within the area of Climate and Environmental Sciences and is expected to be a leading figure in Climate and Environment globally who will substantially contribute to expanding the reputation of UVA in this area. Scholarship should include contributions to fundamental research and can promote translation to applications that will support partnerships with diverse stakeholders such as governmental and non-governmental organizations, industry and communities focused on climate prediction, impacts and adaptation. The teaching portfolio will contribute to the mission of the department and university at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

For more information about the Paul Tudor Jones Jefferson Scholars Foundation University Professorship in Climate and the Environment, or to make an inquiry, nomination, or submit an application, please visit: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-virginia/paul-tudor-jones-jefferson-scholars-foundation-distinguished

The second position is the Commonwealth Associate Professor or Professor of AI and Environmental Sciences and will be focused on innovative application or development of artificial intelligence (AI) methods to advance the study of Earth's environmental water systems. This faculty member will advance research into how AI can improve our understanding and prediction of a broad range of hydrologic science and water resources challenges and inform strategies for sustainable water management. Research should emphasize fundamental science and promote translation, providing critical insights for policymakers, industry and communities. Teaching will contribute to the Department of Environmental Sciences educational mission in the water science disciplinary areas and methods.

UVA recognizes AI as an important research topic and is committed to fostering multidisciplinary work in this area that builds on our existing strengths. The university is making major investments in AI research, including significant commitments in high performance computing, developing international research partnerships, and coordinating the recruitment of numerous faculty members to strengthen the AI research community across the university. This position is open for an appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor rank.

For more information about the Commonwealth Associate Professor or Professor of AI and Environmental Sciences, or to make an inquiry, nomination, or submit an application, please visit: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-virginia/commonwealth-professor-artificial-intelligence-and-environmental

The University of Virginia is partnering with Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, in these recruitment efforts. These searches will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates. The university will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. Confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications should be directed to the search websites indicated above. For full consideration, applications should be received by January 15, 2026.

John Isaacson, Chair
Kennedy Kearney, Managing Associate
Mindy Cimini, Senior Search Coordinator

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment at https://eocr.virginia.edu/notice-non-discrimination-and-equal-opportunity.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit https://dualcareer.virginia.edu/.