George Washington University (GW) is inviting applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Geography position in Washington, D.C., United States, offering an opportunity for qualified researchers and academics to advance their careers in environmental science, physical geography and climate research.
The successful candidate will join the university’s Department of Geography and Environment, contributing to research and teaching on climate and environmental change, human interactions with the Earth system, and related environmental challenges. The position is expected to begin on 1 August 2027, with the university seeking an academic who can develop an externally funded research programme and involve undergraduate and graduate students in research activities.
The advertised annual salary ranges from USD $85,000 to $100,000, and the successful candidate will be eligible for the university’s comprehensive benefits package, including employee medical insurance.
Applications will begin to be reviewed on 12 November 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should prepare the required application documents and submit a complete application through the official recruitment portal.
Assistant Professor of Geography Job Overview
- Position: Assistant Professor of Geography
- Institution: George Washington University (GW)
- Department: Department of Geography and Environment
- Location: Washington, D.C., United States
- Job posting number: F002670
- Employment type: Full-time
- Contract: Tenure-track
- Expected start date: 1 August 2027
- Annual salary: USD $85,000–$100,000
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including employee medical insurance
- Application review begins: 12 November 2026
- Closing date: Open until filled
- Official application portal: https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/129037
About George Washington University
George Washington University is a research university located in Washington, D.C. Its Department of Geography and Environment brings together geographers and environmental scientists who study the relationships between the physical environment and human activity.
The department has strengths in geospatial analysis, field methods, climate and environmental change, and related areas of environmental research. It supports undergraduate and graduate programmes in geography, environmental and sustainability science, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Its location in the United States capital offers opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies, nongovernmental organisations and research institutions. The successful candidate will join an academic environment that encourages research, teaching, collaboration and service.
Research Areas and Academic Focus
GW is seeking an environmental scientist, physical geographer or Earth-system scientist whose research advances understanding of climate and environmental change and human interactions with the Earth system.
Areas of research interest include:
- Biogeography: Investigating the geographical distribution of organisms and the environmental processes shaping ecosystems.
- Climatology: Examining climate systems, climate variability and environmental change.
- Water resources: Studying water availability, environmental processes and related resource challenges.
- Ecosystem and land-surface processes: Investigating interactions between ecosystems, landscapes and the physical environment.
- Coupled human-environment systems: Examining how human activities interact with environmental systems and influence environmental outcomes.
- Geospatial and quantitative research: Applying spatial analysis, quantitative methods and field-based approaches to environmental questions.
The university is particularly interested in candidates who combine field research with quantitative and geospatial methods. Applicants should also demonstrate the potential to develop an externally funded research programme that involves undergraduate and graduate students.
Key Responsibilities
The appointed Assistant Professor will contribute to teaching, research, student supervision and departmental activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Teaching two undergraduate and/or graduate courses each semester in environmental science and physical geography.
- Developing and maintaining an active research programme focused on climate, environmental change or related areas.
- Pursuing external research funding to support academic projects and student participation.
- Advising and mentoring undergraduate and Master of Science (MS) students.
- Contributing to the department’s Environmental and Sustainability Science and Geography programmes.
- Collaborating with colleagues and supporting interdisciplinary research.
- Participating in departmental governance, programme development and other shared responsibilities.
- Contributing to service activities within the university, the academic profession and the wider community.
The role requires a commitment to both academic research and teaching, together with the ability to contribute positively to a collegial departmental environment.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the university’s minimum academic and research requirements.
Required qualifications include:
- A PhD in Geography, Environmental Science or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
- Demonstrated research or teaching experience using field methods and quantitative or geospatial methods.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate how their academic training and experience prepare them to teach relevant courses, conduct independent research and contribute to the department’s existing programmes.
The application also includes two required screening questions asking whether candidates will hold the relevant PhD by the appointment date and whether they can demonstrate research or teaching success using field and quantitative or geospatial methods.
Applicants should answer these questions accurately and ensure that their submitted materials clearly establish their qualifications.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers an advertised annual salary of USD $85,000 to $100,000.
The successful candidate will also be eligible for George Washington University’s comprehensive benefits package, including employee medical insurance. Further details about the university’s benefits programmes are available at:
The position is full-time and tenure-track, offering an academic career pathway that combines teaching, research, student mentorship and university service. Candidates should review the official vacancy announcement for the full terms of employment and applicable benefits.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete online application with the following documents and information:
- Cover letter: Introduce the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the position.
- Current curriculum vitae (CV): Present academic qualifications, research experience, teaching experience and relevant professional achievements.
- Statement of research interests: Describe the applicant’s research focus, experience and future research direction.
- Statement of teaching interests or philosophy: Explain the applicant’s teaching approach and relevant experience.
- College transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application stage. Official transcripts must be submitted immediately upon employment.
- Three professional references: Provide the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of three professional referees. Reference letters may be requested later.
Only complete applications will be considered. Applicants should review all instructions carefully and ensure that every required document is uploaded before submitting their applications.
How to Apply for the Assistant Professor of Geography Job
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through George Washington University’s official recruitment portal.
Application review begins: 12 November 2026.
The position is open until filled, and the university has not provided a fixed closing date in the supplied vacancy announcement. Candidates should therefore submit their applications promptly rather than wait for a final deadline.
To apply:
- Visit the official vacancy page: https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/129037
- Review the job description, minimum qualifications and special application instructions.
- Prepare the required CV, cover letter, research statement and teaching statement.
- Gather your college transcripts and the contact details of three professional references.
- Complete the online application and answer the required eligibility questions.
- Submit all documents and monitor your email for further communication from the university.
For additional information about the department, visit https://geography.columbian.gwu.edu/.
Why Consider This Academic Opportunity?
The Assistant Professor of Geography position may appeal to researchers seeking an academic career focused on climate science, environmental sustainability, physical geography and human-environment interactions.
The role combines teaching, research development, student mentorship and opportunities for collaboration with organisations and research institutions in Washington, D.C. Its tenure-track structure and advertised salary may make it attractive to qualified academics looking to establish or expand an independent research programme.
Candidates should carefully assess the required PhD qualification, research expectations, teaching responsibilities and application documentation before applying.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.