Assistant Professor Geology

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000 students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

The Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) Program at the University of West Georgia invites applications for a full-time (9 month) tenure-track Assistant Professor position in applied structural geology, beginning August 1, 2027.

We seek a structural geologist committed to undergraduate teaching, mentoring, and applied, field-oriented research. The successful candidate will teach introductory geology courses and laboratories, upper-division courses in structural geology and related areas, and conduct an active program of applied research. We are particularly interested in candidates who can support instruction in engineering geology, economic geology, and/or hydrogeology.

UWG's location in the Piedmont of the southern Appalachian Mountains provides ready access to the Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Coastal Plain provinces. The successful candidate will effectively leverage the Campus proximity to regional field-based opportunities to provide students with hands-on research experiences and career preparation.

Responsibilities

1: Teaching undergraduate Introductory Geology lecture and laboratory courses, upper-division courses in Structural Geology, and/or upper-division electives, preferably Engineering Geology and/or Economic Geology in various modalities including online, hybrid, and face-to-face as per program need.

2: Establish and maintain an independent research program that results in peer-reviewed publications and actively pursue extramural funding.

3: Mentoring undergraduate students in independent research projects in structural geology, engineering geology, geologic mapping, or related applied areas.

4: Contributing to service activities within the program, college, university, and/or professional community.

Required Education:

Ph.D. in Structural Geology or a closely related field by the start date

Required Experience:

Demonstrated commitment to high-quality undergraduate teaching

Evidence of ongoing scholarly engagement, such as peer reviewed publications or conference proceedings, appropriate to the candidate's career stage.

Demonstrated ability to engage undergraduate students in research and experiential or field-based learning

Preferred Experience:

Ability to teach upper-division courses in Engineering Geology and/or Economic Geology, or Hydrogeology

Evidence of collaboration with industry partners in applied structural/engineering geology

Professional Geologist (PG) licensure in the state of Georgia, or demonstrated interest in obtaining licensure

Demonstrated interest in preparing students for professional careers, including preparation for the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination

Salary as commensurate with experience.

Required Documents to Attach:

Curriculum vitae

Cover letter

Statements of Teaching Philosophy, and statement of Research Agenda

Contact information for three professional references

Review of application materials will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For consideration, please submit materials by DECEMBER 1, 2026.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge:

Physical Geology, Structural Geology, Engineering Geology

Skill:

Geologic mapping and field methods

GIS software and/or related geospatial tools

Effective written and oral communication

Abilities:

Ability to teach structural geology effectively at the undergraduate level.

Ability to engage students in field-based and experiential learning

Ability to contribute effectively to a collaborative, student-centered academic program.

Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

Lifting- Up to 15lbs.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.