Assistant Teaching Professor of Spatial Data Science

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POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Geography at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, invites applications for a new full-time, non-tenure line faculty position focused on spatial data science at the Assistant Teaching Professor rank to teach and advise students for Penn State's online geospatial education programs: https://geospatial.psu.edu .

This is a 36-week non-tenure line academic appointment, funded for three years from the date of hire with the strong expectation of continuation for subsequent years, pending satisfactory performance. The University provides a clear pathway for professional advancement for its teaching faculty through its non-tenure line promotion process. We seek candidates with professional and/or academic experience (preferably both) in spatial data science, with an emphasis on one or more key focus areas, including: geospatial intelligence, spatial statistics, geographic visualization, GeoAI, cartography, and web mapping. University teaching experience, in particular with online learning, is strongly preferred.

The candidate will contribute to graduate teaching and advising in spatial data science topics. In addition, the candidate may contribute to the administration and leadership of Penn State's online geospatial education programs. Teaching responsibilities will be with Penn State's online geospatial education programs, with opportunities to teach in other Penn State resident education programs and to engage in externally-funded research based on candidate expertise and program needs.

A total of six courses will be taught each year, although a combination of course development and preparation, course teaching, and program administration tasks may be assigned depending on program needs and candidate qualifications. This position is located at the University Park campus and the professor will be appointed in the Department of Geography. This position may have the possibility for a hybrid schedule working some days in the office and others remotely. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

To apply, please upload a letter (no longer than 3 pages) describing your teaching philosophy, teaching experience, and explaining how your experience will complement our online geospatial education programs; a curriculum vitae; and the names and contact information of three potential referees.

Applicants must have earned a Master’s degree or higher (a PhD is strongly preferred) in Geography, Spatial Data Science, Geoinformatics, or a related discipline by July 1, 2027. This is a non-tenure line position. Appointment could begin as early as January 1, 2027. Application review will begin on September 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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