Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Earth and Environmental Sciences

Department: School of Arts and Sciences
Duty station: Khorog, Tajikistan
Deadline: July 1^st 2022 (open until filled)
Commencement Date: August 1^st 2022

University of Central Asia (UCA)

UCA was founded in 2000 by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. Conceptualized as a regional university, UCA was established to offer an internationally recognized standard of higher education in Central Asia and prepare graduates to contribute leadership, ideas and innovations to the transitioning economies and communities of the region. UCA campuses are located in three underserved secondary cities (Tekeli, Kazakhstan; Naryn, Kyrgyzstan; and Khorog, Tajikistan). Programming is also offered through the University's satellite Learning Centres in Dushanbe, Tajikistan; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan and Faizabad, Afghanistan.

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES), School of Arts and Sciences, is offering B.Sc. in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Faculty members carry out research on climate changes, natural hazards, water resources, surface geology and geomorphology, agriculture and food security, socio-economic aspects of Earth and Environmental Sciences and geochemistry and petrology with application to ore resources and geodynamic evolution of the mountain belts. The department is based in the Khorog campus in Tajikistan.

Programme Description

Academic programme combines the student-centered environment of a liberal arts college with the intellectual excitement of being at the frontiers of knowledge offered by an emerging research university. The language of instruction for undergraduate studies is English. You will teach small classes and provide students with personal attention to ensure that they master and apply the material. UCA's cross-disciplinary Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) programme aims to create leaders in various sectors and scholars who can pursue overseas graduate studies. The programme integrates the study of environmental science, earth science, and related social systems. The successful candidate is expected to be research active and will have the opportunity to work with students and pursue research relevant to Central Asia.

Key Responsibilities

UCA is recruiting two faculty members in the Earth and Environmental Science programme. The hires are targeted at the Assistant Professor level, but exceptional candidates will be considered at the Associate Professor level. PhD scholars, who have completed all but their thesis, may be considered at the Lecturer level. We are interested in filling two interdisciplinary niches, which should complement and interact with one another in research and teaching agendas and encompass the Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, and Biosphere. The areas of recruitment are as follows:

Physical Geology and Earth Surface Processes

The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Central Asia invites applications for a position in the broad field of physical geology, with expertise in several of the following areas: sedimentary geology, stratigraphy, structural geology, geomorphology, and earth surface processes. We are particularly interested in a scholar who can contribute to undergraduate teaching in the areas of field geology, general geology, sedimentology, sedimentary resources, and geodynamics. Expertise in remote sensing and GIS applied to earth sciences is welcome.

The successful candidate will teach various undergraduate earth sciences courses, bridging theory and practical applications in the geosciences. Opportunities exist to build active research and outreach collaborations within and outside the university and to develop internationally recognized research programs with other colleagues.

Water and the Environment

We seek a broadly focused environmental scientist, physical geographer, or hydrologist, interested in teaching courses in environmental science, environmental impact assessment, climate change, natural hazards, atmosphere science, cryosphere science, environmental communications and hydrology. Candidates with interest in cold region hydrology and the cryosphere in a changing climate, who can link climatic drivers with hydrological response in the context of land management and dynamic landscapes, are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate should also have practical skills in remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and spatial analysis with an emphasis on how recent innovations in remote sensing fit with sustainable environmental management methods.

Minimum Qualifications

• Assistant Professor and above: PhD in an appropriate field of Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Lecturer: Master's in an appropriate field of Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Fluency in English is required, knowledge of Russian or local languages is an asset

Desirable Attributes

Teaching

• Ability to work independently, as well as within a teaching team; flexibility and the ability to work in a new and evolving academic environment is essential.
• Experience in teaching in Central Asia or in a developing country would be an asset.
• A demonstrated commitment to teaching students at the undergraduate level.
• Experience using innovative teaching and evaluation methods.

Research

• A track record of publishing original research in high quality refereed journals.
• Regular contributions and involvement in relevant international professional conferences.
• Experience in conducting research in Central Asia would be a valuable asset.
• Aware of current and future industry and development trends; strong network of regional and international contacts.
• The ability to attract funding for research projects is a definite asset.

Salary and Package

Commensurate with qualification and experience to attract the best candidate.

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please visit the AKDN Career Centre at:
https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities/lecturerassistant-professor-in-earth-and-environmental-sciences

At the application stage, you should submit the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Up-to-date resume
• List of published work and link to the google scholar profile
• List of at least three references who may comment on your teaching/research experience
• Teaching evaluations (if applicable)

For more information about UCA's academic programmes please visit https://ucentralasia.org/schools/school-of-arts-and-sciences/undergraduate-programme

Email: kh.recruitment@ucentralasia.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities