Assistant Professor in Physical Geography (GEOG_03)

Working at Durham University

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The Department

The Department of Geography at Durham University seeks to appoint an outstanding individual to an Assistant Professorship in Physical Geography who has expertise in the field of ice sheets and glaciers that will complement and extend our current work in our Sea Level, Ice Sheets and Climate research cluster. Possible research areas include, but are not restricted to, numerical ice sheet modelling, glacio-isostatic adjustment modelling, observations of modern glacier and ice sheet processes and dynamics (e.g., using remote sensing, machine learning, and field-based methods) and reconstructions of former ice sheet histories (e.g., using glacial geology, geomorphology and geochronology).

The successful candidate will develop world class scholarship in their field. They will have completed (or be close to completing) a PhD in a relevant field, and demonstrate a track record of, or potential for, internationally excellent and agenda setting publications and securing external funding. They will have experience of or show a commitment to delivering excellent teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and master's-level teaching on our Physical Geography programmes. In addition to their research, the successful candidate will perform departmental administrative tasks commensurate with their grade.

Geography at Durham consistently ranks among the very best departments not just in the UK, but also in the world. We were ranked =1st in REF 2021 and our research environment was awarded the highest possible 100% 4* score. Our students report satisfaction levels of 95% in the National Student Survey. From the field to the virtual environment, we are dedicated to exploring innovative methodologies. We regularly host visiting academics and research students from around the world. The department benefits from the ESRC NINEDTP, AHRC Northern Bridge, and IAPETUS NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships. We have a suite of world-class laboratories and field equipment for research and teaching supported by an experienced team of technicians.

The post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of internationally excellent research and teaching while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to progress and embed your career in an exciting and progressive institution. The department recently achieved an Athena Swan Silver award, and we continue to further embed actions to promote equality. We are proud of our efforts to decolonise our curricula and ensure inclusive fieldwork for staff and students, and to be part of a vibrant university community that celebrates diversity. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1 September 2025.

Please direct informal enquiries to Prof Colm O'Cofaigh (Head of Department) [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 12th January 2025.

For more information on the Department of Geography see: https://www.dur.ac.uk/geography/

Assistant Professors at Durham

Assistant Professors on the Education and Research track are encouraged to focus on research and teaching, but are also expected to engage in wider citizenship to enhance their own development, support their department and discipline, and contribute to the wider student experience.

Academic colleagues are supported to publish excellent research in their area of interest with a focus on high quality outputs (including monographs and journal articles), rather than quantity. We aim to support your research needs, including practical help such as resources to attend conferences and to fund research activities, as well as a generous research leave policy and a designated mentor.

Durham University is also committed to ensuring outstanding teaching quality, stimulating learning environments, and innovative curricula for all our students. You will be supported to develop your teaching expertise and skills.

We are confident that our recruitment process allows us to attract and select the best talent to Durham. We, therefore, offer a reduced probation period of 1 year for our Assistant Professors and thereafter, subject to satisfactory performance, your position will be confirmed as permanent.

Applicants must demonstrate high quality research in the field of ice sheets and glaciers with the ability to teach our students to an exceptional standard and to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University.

We strive to provide a working and teaching environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.

Key responsibilities:

• To pursue research that is high quality in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
• To develop clear plans for the pursuit of national and international funding opportunities to support research and end-user engagement.
• To play a role in relevant teaching and research supervision, and contribute to ongoing curriculum development.
• To Contribute to enhancing the quality of the research environment in the Department, the wider University and beyond through collaborative research activity.
• To demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the administrative work, citizenship and values of the Department.
• To deliver lectures, seminars and tutorials at undergraduate and taught postgraduate levels, as well as engaging in related activity such as assessment.
• To provide high quality teaching and associated examining as required across the range of modules and levels, from undergraduate to Master's programmes;
• To contribute to the geography teaching programme through small group teaching, lectures, practicals and research-based field-trips as required;
• To fully engage in and enhance the values of the Department.
• To contribute to attracting and supervising research students, and to enhance the Department's commitment to its vibrant and inclusive postgraduate culture.
• To Carry out other duties as specified by the Head of Department.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account ...