Associate Professor/Professor - Physical Geography/Environmental Sciences

Short info about job

Detail information about job Associate Professor/Professor - Physical Geography/Environmental Sciences. Terms and conditions vacancy

Applications are invited for an Associate or Full Professor in Physical Geography (or Environmental Sciences), with a research and teaching focus on aspects of the spatial characteristics of the various natural phenomena associated with the Earth's hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. We are also particularly interested in the interplay between environmental change and biological processes in terrestrial and/or freshwater contexts. The position will be based within the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES) in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University. The successful appointee will develop an independent research portfolio whilst working with colleagues in ILES, including the Lyell Centre, as well as other areas of the School and University. The successful applicant will have an internationally recognised profile in their own area of expertise, expanding and enhancing the intensity of our School’s research. The applicant will be expected to demonstrate a clear strategy for future research plans and identify how this fits with the research landscape of the Institute and School, as well as the broader national and international research context.

The candidate will be required to coordinate and manage the new BSc (Hons) Geography and contribute to the teaching and organisation of any relevant programmes and courses in EGIS. Key teaching topics are likely to include Terrestrial and/or Freshwater Environmental and Life Sciences, as well as the application of spatial visualization, methods in physical geography, analytical and modelling tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The candidate will also supervise laboratory and field based learning, and student dissertation projects at undergraduate and Masters Level and will lead national, and potentially international, field-courses.

The post holder is required, but not restricted to:

• Lead and coordinate the undergraduate degree BSc (Hons) Geography.
• Design, develop and deliver a range of courses at various levels, to support the delivery of Heriot-Watt University’s aims. Review course content and materials on a regular basis, updating when required.
• Develop and apply innovative and appropriate teaching techniques and material, while ensuring that course design and delivery comply with the quality standard and regulations of the University.
• Recognise opportunities for strategic development of new courses and contribute to the development of such ideas using research to inform teaching.
• Resolve problems affecting the delivery of courses and make decisions regarding the operational aspects within their own educational programme.
• Supervise undergraduate and post graduate students’ work, and responsibility for dealing with referred issues regarding students within their own educational programmes.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in relevant discipline.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at Heriot-Watt.

Closing date: 22 Sep 2017 23:00 (UK time)

For application details and further information please go to: