Teaching Assistant Professor of Forensic GIS - Department of Geology & Geography

The Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, Teaching Assistant Professor position with a specialization in Forensic GIS. Summer teaching is required and will be compensated. The preferred start date is August, 2026. Teaching Assistant Professor appointments have renewable terms of up to three years, with no limit on the number of terms. These positions are eligible for promotion (e.g., Teaching Assistant Professor to Teaching Associate Professor, etc.); however, promotion to senior ranks is not a requirement for institutional commitment and career stability. A fully remote work location is possible for this position, with consultation and approval by the Department Chair and Dean.

The Department of Geology and Geography offers undergraduate degrees in Earth & Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies along with an MA and PhD in Geography and an MS and PhD in Geology in addition to the Online Master's of Science in GIS. Faculty in the department secure significant external research funding, teach thousands of students and provide service to the state, Appalachian Region, and the world. The department currently supports numerous graduate teaching and research assistants and several graduate fellows. The department has outstanding geospatial science teaching and research facilities, hosts the WV GIS Technical Center and WVU Center for Resilient Communities and is housed in its own building on the downtown campus of WVU.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will teach courses that support the Department of Geology and Geography's online MS program in Geographic and Information Science and Spatial Analysis. This degree builds upon the nationally and internationally renowned GIScience program at WVU and is intended to serve geospatial professionals working remotely. Given the rapid success of the program, enrolling over 55 students in just two and a half years, the department is beginning to expand the courses offered to attract a broader audience of students. These new areas of emphasis will include Forensic GIS defined as geo-intelligence, national security, forensic investigation using GIS, and crime mapping.

The normal teaching load for this position is 4-4. The successful candidate is expected to teach 8 online courses (or course equivalencies) per academic year and up to two courses during the summer term as well as to actively recruit, mentor, and advise a diverse population of online graduate students. The candidate's service role will be primarily in directly recruiting students to the program and attending recruiting events, workshops, conferences, etc. that promote student recruitment.

Professional Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have a PhD in Geography or a related Geospatial Science field. Late-stage ABD applicants will be considered; completion of the doctoral degree by hire date is required. Candidate must possess the academic background and professional experience necessary to teach at least four of the following subjects: (1) geospatial data science; (2) Python programming; (3) Crime mapping/ Forensic GIS; (4) Web GIS development; (5) 3D Crime Scene Reconstruction; (6) Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)/Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT). The successful candidate should also show evidence of the ability to teach GIS in an asynchronous online environment; evidence of administrative capacity to manage graduate studies; outstanding teaching and mentoring skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; and excellent interpersonal skills. Those candidates teaching with broader impacts and community engagement that support WVU's land-grant mission are encouraged to apply; candidates with a background in Universal Design for Learning and FAIR Data Practices are also encouraged to apply.

Application:

To apply, please visit https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities and upload in a single PDF document: (1) a curriculum vitae; 2) an application letter that discusses experience in the classroom (as an instructor or GTA); 3) teaching statement; 4) unofficial transcript; 5) list of 3-5 references with complete contact information; and 6) any student evaluation of instruction or external evaluation of instruction. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information please contact Dr. Michael Harman (Michael.harman@mail.wvu.edu), Online GIS program coordinator and search chair.

Morgantown, WV is a growing university city. The area offers abundant outdoor recreation and the cultural opportunities of a college town. It is within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA (70 mi) and is within a day's driving distance to Washington DC and Columbus, OH (200 mi).

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From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.