Assistant Professor

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Time Type:

The Departments of Environmental Science and Health Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences at American University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 1, 2025. While this is a joint position, the selected candidate will be housed and evaluated for tenure within the Department of Environmental Science. We are seeking an environmental health scientist whose research focuses on subjects including but not limited to pollutants/contaminants, toxicology, environmental epidemiology, vector-borne disease, water quality, food equity, climate change and public health, or the environmental determinants of quality of life. The salary range at the Assistant Professor rank is $90,000-98,000.

Qualifications
The most competitive candidates will have the following qualifications:
● A Ph.D. granted by the position start date.
● A strong research record, including publications in peer-reviewed journals and demonstrated success in or potential for obtaining external funding.
● Ability to or deep interest in translating and communicating research findings for policymaking to effect change
● A record of interdisciplinary collaborations
● Motivation and ability to achieve excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level.
● A record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
● Willingness to help meet the needs of our growing departments through service, student advising, and working with other faculty members as a team.
Duties
● Maintain a strong, externally-funded research program that includes undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or postdocs.
● Teach undergraduate and graduate level environmental science and health studies classes (4 courses per year total with 2 in each department). These will be a mix of general classes for majors and non-majors, and classes in the candidate’s area of expertise.
● Support our growing and diverse student body through advising and inclusive teaching practices.
● Help meet the needs of our growing department by serving on committees and taking on service and leadership roles as needed.

Institutional Context
American University is a private R2 institution located within the United States capital, within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts. Established in 2008, the Department of Environmental Science offers both undergraduate (BS, BA) and graduate degree (MS) programs. Climate change is a top concern among AU students, and the university’s focus on sustainability and its status as the first campus in the United States to go carbon-neutral sustainability are sources of university pride. The Department of Health Studies (DHS) was established in August 2015 and is focused broadly on health equity and the social drivers of health both domestically and internationally.
The opening of a state-of-the-art science building in 2020 and the launch of the university-wide Center for Environment, Equity and Community further illustrate AU’s support for the sciences and commitment to integrating scientific research with broader societal issues. AU offers ample opportunities to collaborate with a diverse and interdisciplinary group of environmental and health researchers across the university including in centers such as the Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, and Center on Health, Risk, and Society.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.
American University is a tobacco and smoke free campus. To learn more about American University's health and safety directives please click here (https://www.american.edu/hr/how-we-work/vaccinations.cfm). Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

How to Apply
Review of applications will begin on October 18, 2024. These should include: 1) cover letter (up to 2 pages); 2) statements of research (up to 2 pages) and teaching (up to 2 pages), which should include examples of the candidate’s past and/or planned contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, 3) curriculum vitae, and; 4) names of three references. With questions, please contact our search co-chairs Mike Alonzo in Environmental Science (202-885-1770, alonzo@american.edu) or Stacey Snelling in Health Studies (202-885-6278, stacey@american.edu).

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Salary : $90,000 - $98,000