Job Description

Title: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY
Employee Classification: Asst Professor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Geography, Geology, and the Environment
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment (GEO) (https://geo.illinoisstate.edu/) at Illinois State University seeks an environmental geochemist with an emphasis in water resources to help lead our growth as we expand programs in hydrogeology and environmental science. We invite applications for a nine-month, tenure-track position in Environmental Geochemistry at the Assistant Professor level.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining and growing meaningful research collaborations and externally funded research. This commitment should be reflected in the research agenda and the application materials. Primary teaching responsibilities will include a combination of existing and new courses in the candidate’s area of expertise at the introductory, upper-, and graduate levels. Teaching aqueous geochemistry is a required part of the position; the teaching load will also include other courses that could include a relevant introductory/General Education course, environmental geology, or upper-/graduate-level environmental or water courses. An expectation of this position, which is at the intersection of Geology, Hydrogeology, and Environmental Science, is attracting new students into our existing undergraduate major programs and recruiting and advising students in the Hydrogeology M.S. program.

University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Additional Information

Founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university, Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu is one of only 27 institutions nationwide to earn both Research 2 (R2) and Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCU) designations by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which recognizes campuses that foster student success and research. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live for three consecutive years, from 2024 to 2026 and Normal ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2026). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Salary is $72,828–$81,600, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field, with a research focus in one or more of the areas described above; ABD candidates will be considered if the degree will be completed before the starting date
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: aqueous or low-temperature geochemistry, hydrochemistry, biogeochemistry, contaminant transport, and/or urban environmental chemistry
• State law mandates demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement of this position

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

August 16, 2027

Required Applicant Documents

Please provide the following as separate .pdf files:
• Letter of Application
• Teaching Philosophy Statement (up to 2 pages)
• Research Agenda (up to 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for 3 References

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

The review of applications will begin on November 2, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Sponsorship:  Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States.  Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.  Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.

All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. Illinois State University does not authorize out-of-state work.   

Contact Information for Applicants

Questions about the search should be directed to Eric Peterson, Department Chair (geochemistrysearch@ilstu.edu; 309-438-7865)

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.