"Visiting Professor of Geomatics (One-Year Appointment)"

Hiring Department

The Geospatial Collaborative at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL)

Job Description

The Geospatial Collaborative at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) invites applications for a highly experienced Faculty position (rank at the Associate or Full Professor level) in the field of Geomatics. This is a full-time, one-year appointment focused on undergraduate curriculum design and teaching (non-tenure track, no research duties), aimed at developing a new Undergraduate Certificate in Geomatics. The target start date is January 1, 2026 (or earlier, if available).

This position offers a highly competitive annual salary (commensurate with experience) plus full benefits. The role is primarily teaching and curriculum development; research is not required. UMSL Geospatial Collaborative is seeking a candidate who can lead the creation of a cutting-edge Geomatics curriculum aligned with industry and academic standards. The position supports a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote); remote candidates will be considered, though some on-site presence may be necessary for certain events or teaching responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Design & Development: Lead the design and development of a new undergraduate Geomatics certificate program, including creating course syllabi, learning objectives, and instructional materials during Spring and Summer 2026. Ensure the curriculum covers fundamental and advanced topics in Geomatics (e.g., surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, RARAR and LiDAR Remote Sensing; etc.).
• Standards Alignment: Ensure alignment of the curriculum and courses with recognized national geospatial education standards and accreditation frameworks (e.g., the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation’s (USGIF), GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge and accreditation guidelines, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) program criteria for Geomatics). Integrate relevant competencies from industry and government (such as NGA geospatial-intelligence frameworks) to meet high educational quality standards.
• Teaching: Teach the newly developed Geomatics courses in Fall 2026, delivering high-quality instruction. This may include lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and field exercises (as appropriate) in subjects developed for the certificate. Employ effective teaching strategies and up-to-date geospatial technologies to foster student learning.
• Curriculum Implementation: Guide the new courses through any necessary university approval processes and collaborate with academic units (e.g. school of Engineering, Physics department, Computer Science) to ensure the certificate program is seamlessly integrated into UMSL’s offerings. Coordinate with the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative and relevant departments on scheduling and resource allocation for the Geomatics courses.
• Incorporation of Technology: Stay abreast of the latest developments in geomatics and incorporate modern geospatial tools (GIS software, GPS/GNSS equipment, remote sensing platforms, UAV photogrammetry, etc.) into the curriculum. Ensure students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and equipment, preparing them for the current job market.
• Academic Mentorship: Provide mentorship and guidance to students interested in geomatics, including advising on projects or practical applications of geomatics in various fields (e.g., civil engineering, urban planning, environmental engineerin,). Foster an engaging and supportive learning environment.
• Quality Assurance: Develop assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes in the new courses and use feedback to improve course content.
• Collaboration and Outreach: Work collaboratively with the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative team, NGA staff, and faculty in Physics and Engineering to design and develop the Geomatics program and curriculum. Coordinate and lead interdisciplinary efforts that integrate academic and applied perspectives across these areas. Additionally, organize at least one workshop in Geomatics each semester to promote the Geomatics Certificate program, showcase student and faculty work, and strengthen engagement with the broader geospatial community.

(Note: This role is focused on teaching and curriculum development. While a record of research in geomatics is valued as part of the candidate’s background, there are no research duties in this position.)

This position supports a project funded by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which limits participation in the project to citizens of the United States. As a result, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this position.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Ph.D. in Geomatics or a closely related field (e.g., Geospatial Engineering, Surveying Engineering, Geodesy, or Civil Engineering with a geomatics emphasis) from an accredited institution.
• Professional Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in the geomatics or closely related field, demonstrating a broad and practical understanding of geomatics technologies and applications.
• Curriculum Development Experience: 5+ years of experience in developing geomatics courses or academic programs. Proven track record in curriculum design – for example, experience creating new courses, academic certificates, or degree programs in geomatics, surveying, photogrammetry, remote sensing, or related areas.
• Teaching Excellence: Demonstrated excellence in teaching geomatics or related geospatial topics at the college/university level. This may include experience as a faculty member or instructor for courses in geomatics, surveying, geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensing, or other geomatics subjects. Strong instructional skills and a commitment to innovative, student-centered teaching.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in modern geospatial and surveying tools and software (e.g., ArcGIS, GPS/GNSS equipment, remote sensing image analysis software, CAD for surveying, photogrammetry software, etc.). Ability to integrate technology and software into teaching effectively.
• This position supports a project funded by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which limits participation in the project to citizens of the United States. As a result, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this position.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University of Missouri System offers a comprehensive faculty benefits package, including health, retirement, and tuition assistance. For more information, please consult UMSL Human Resources and review the UMSL Faculty Benefits Guide (PDF).

Application Materials

Applicants should submit the following materials as PDF files via the UMSL careers portal: Cover Letter: outlining qualifications and interest in the position. The cover letter should describe the candidate’s relevant teaching experience, curriculum development work, research and scholarly accomplishments, and any academic or professional service record. Curriculum Vitae (CV) Teaching Philosophy Statement: a 1-2 page statement detailing the candidate’s teaching approach and how it applies to geomatics education. Evidence of Curriculum Development & Teaching: e.g. sample syllabi of geomatics or GIS courses developed, curriculum outlines, teaching evaluations, or other documentation demonstrating experience in developing and teaching geomatics courses/programs. References: Contact information for at least three professional references familiar with the candidate’s teaching and/or curriculum development experience. For questions regarding this position, please contact: Dr. Reda Amer – Director, UMSL Geospatial Collaborative (Chair of the Search Committee) – Email: reda.amer@umsl.edu

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Sponsorship Information

This position supports a project funded by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which limits participation in the project to citizens of the United States. As a result, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this position.