Assistant Professor - Critical Cartography

The application period for this position has been extended. The full consideration date is 3/31/2021 and the close date is June 30, 2021

The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) at Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor to join the Geography program with a focus on Critical Cartography.

CEOAS is an internationally recognized leader in the study of the Earth as an integrated system with more than 100 faculty, 150 graduate students and 800 undergraduate students. Graduate programs include Master’s and PhD degrees in Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; Geology; and Geography; and a Master’s degree in Marine Resource Management. The College has undergraduate programs in Geology, Geography and Geospatial Science, Ocean Science, Climate Science, and Environmental Sciences, with several minors and certificate programs, and works closely with OSU’s extension programs.

We seek a colleague who will develop and maintain a vigorous, externally-funded research program in the critical analysis of spatial data representation. The successful applicant will show scholarship in applying theoretical principles of critical cartography to examine how maps and geovisualization relate to social, environmental, or climate justice. They will advance cutting-edge quantitative, qualitative, and/or algorithmic approaches to cartography and geovisualization, helping unite the Geography research themes of geospatial modelling and analysis with global change, risk, and resilience. For example, their research could examine how approaches to mapping risks of natural hazards differentially affect vulnerable human communities and their capacity for resilience and adaptation. Other examples include examining how geographic representation of natural hazards affects insurance payouts, development plans, land valuation, and migration trends; how the collection, management, analysis and visualization of Big Data are influenced by systems of power; or how geographical representation of data may be mobilized to provide maps and narratives counter to systems of power. We envision a colleague keen to collaborate across disciplines within our Earth-, Ocean-, Atmospheric- and Climate-science focused college.

The successful applicant will be a member of the Geography program in CEOAS and will be expected to teach both on-campus and online at all levels in our undergraduate and graduate curriculum, and to advise and mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral scholars. The successful applicant will teach classes related to cartography and geovisualization, and will be integral to developing the future of cartographic instruction throughout our curriculum. We envision a colleague who can inspire and empower the next generation of scholars to think creatively and critically about the impacts of geospatial data collection, analysis, and representation on the communities and landscapes depicted on a map.

The position will help maintain CEOAS as a central player within OSU’s geospatial science community, and position CEOAS for addressing critical issues related to anticipated human and Earth system changes at local to global levels. The critical importance of Earth systems research at OSU is recognized through OSU’s Strategic Plan.

OSU maintains an institution-wide commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and community, and seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment.

For academic-track positions, it is CEOAS policy to confer indefinite tenure when promoted to Associate Professor, with indefinite tenure granted on either a 9-month, 1.0 FTE or 12-month, 0.75 FTE appointment basis. In either case, there is an expectation that the successful candidate will secure funding to support research and augment the university-provided salary.

Position Duties

50% – Teaching and Advising:
Teach high quality graduate and undergraduate courses in field of expertise across a range of modalities including face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats. Mentor and advise undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral scholars. Supervise graduate teaching assistants, as needed.

40% – Research/Scholarship:
Establish and maintain an externally funded program of scholarly research focused on the critical analysis of spatial data representation. Work towards excellence in research as evidenced by national and international recognition through significant contributions to the field. Publish scholarly work in peer-reviewed, top-ranked journals and/or in other peer-accepted media in their field. Disseminate research results by participation at national and international professional conferences and symposia. Supervise research staff, graduate research assistants, and/or student employees as needed.

10% – Service:
Provide service to the College and/or university to sustain and promote the research and educational missions. Participate in service to the research discipline through committee memberships, reviews, and research planning/leadership activities.

Minimum/Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in geography, cartography, geospatial science, data science, or other related discipline by the start of employment.

• A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.

• A strong potential for success demonstrated by a record of scholarship and products that revolve around the critical analysis of spatial data representation. These may include elements of critical cartography, geovisualization, interactive web mapping, data visualization, Big Data analytics, participatory mapping, critical theory, and cartographic design and theory.

• A clearly defined research agenda focused on the critical analysis of spatial data representation.

• Demonstrated ability or significant potential for teaching excellence and commitment to student success that benefits the graduate and undergraduate programs of CEOAS.

• Demonstrated ability or significant potential for establishing a research program supported by extramural funding.

• Demonstrated ability or significant potential for mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or post-doctoral scholars.

• Proficiency in oral and written English.

• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

• One year or more of professional experience in a field relevant to critical analysis of spatial data representation, including critical cartography, geovisualization, interactive web mapping, data visualization, Big Data analytics, participatory mapping, critical theory, and/or cartographic design and theory.

• Expertise in modern practices of cartography and cutting-edge cartographic theory.

• Record of high-quality publications in respected peer reviewed journals or high quality geovisualizations in media appropriate to the discipline.

• Demonstrated ability or potential to develop cross-disciplinary collaborations and/or partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience securing funds for research from national or international competition.

• Ability to communicate effectively online and face-to-face in both the classroom and public settings.

• Participation in national and international research teams.

• Experience teaching and/or developing courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

This position may require working in the field and/or laboratory. Activities outside a typical office/classroom are at the discretion of the successful candidate and will be determined based on advancement of their own research agenda.Field work may require working in rough terrain, inclement weather, and strenuous environments and conditions. The ability to travel as needed to advance research program may be required.

This position requires a clear and unambiguous commitment to compliance of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations for Division I (FBS) universities. No Posting Number P03673UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 09/16/2021
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 03/16/2020
Full Consideration Date 03/31/2021
Closing Date 06/30/2021
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants

The application period for this position has been extended

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 31, 2021. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position; and

3) A statement of research; and

4) A statement of teaching.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Robert Kennedy, Associate Professor
Search Committee Chair
Email: robert.kennedy@oregonstate.edu

For questions regarding the application process, please contact:
Karen Edwards, Administrative Assistant
Email: karen.edwards@oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the criminal history check requirement.