The position
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 three 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:
Position I) Natural Resources and Energy Management
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences seeks a scientist with broad interests in Environmental Governance, Natural Resources Management (minerals, energy, food products, biodiversity…), Human-Environment Interaction and Local/Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The successful candidate will teach related courses for undergraduate students and will build active research in these fields of study.
Position II) Natural Hazards
We search for a natural hazards scientist with focus on identification, quantification and prediction/projection of natural hazards and associated risks. The major teaching and research interests include study of mass movement, landslides, rocks fall and debris flow, snow avalanches, earthquakes, and riverine flooding.
The successful candidate will teach various undergraduate natural hazard related courses, bridging theory and practical applications. Opportunities exist to build active research and outreach collaborations within and outside the university and to develop internationally recognized research programs with other colleagues. Practical skills in GIS and Remote Sensing are an asset.
Position III) 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, 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 requirements
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.
- Awareness 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
Sector
Social Development
About the Agency
The University of Central Asia (UCA) is a private (not for profit), secular University whose charter has been signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan, ratified by the parliaments of the founding states and registered with the United Nations. UCA is the first internationally chartered university in the world. UCA’s mission is to foster the socio-economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, while helping the peoples of the region preserve and draw upon their rich cultural heritages as assets for the future.
Region: Central Asia
Location: Tajikistan
Salary: Salary and package to attract the best candidate
Job Expires: 02-Jan-2023
