Assistant Professor

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Job Title:

Assistant Professor

Department:

Arts and Sciences | Geography

The Department of Geography at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Geosciences. We seek a scholar whose research substantively integrates AI methodologies with geoscientific inquiry to advance understanding of Earth systems. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary department committed to excellence in research, teaching, and service. This hire is associated with the launch of “BuckAI Observatory”, a college-wide AI center with a focus on Earth Observation applications and with affiliated faculty in Earth Sciences,  Geography, Astronomy, Mathematics, and other departments.

Possible application areas for AI in geosciences include, but are not limited to:

• Remote sensing: automated interpretation of satellite imagery and sensor data for land cover classification, climate monitoring, and environmental change detection.
• Geodesy: AI-driven modeling of Earth’s shape, gravity field, and geodynamic processes using GNSS and InSAR data.
• Seismology: real-time earthquake detection, seismic signal classification, and predictive modeling using neural networks.
• Earth systems modeling: integration of AI with physical models to improve forecasting of climate, hydrology, and atmospheric dynamics.

Questions about this position may be directed to:

Joachim Moortgat, moortgat.1@osu.edu

Professor, School of Earth Sciences

Chair of search committee

Director of BuckAI Observatory

Performance Objectives

- Develop and maintain a productive, externally funded research program at the intersection of AI and geosciences.
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in geosciences and AI-related topics.
- Demonstrate excellence in mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.
- Contribute to departmental and university service through committee participation and leadership roles.
- Foster collaborations across disciplines within the College of Arts and Sciences and beyond.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

- Ph.D. in Geosciences, Computer Science, Data Science, or other closely related fields in Science or Engineering by the time of appointment.
- Demonstrated potential for high-impact research integrating AI with geoscientific applications.
- Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Desired:

- Experience with machine learning, deep learning, or other AI techniques applied to Earth science data.
- Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Additional Information:

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday [https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Assistant-Professor-in-Artificial-Intelligence-in-Geosciences---School-of-Earth-Sciences_R136677]. Application period closes 11/21/2025. Application materials must include the following, combined into a single pdf:

- Cover Letter (1–2 pages): Summary of academic background and interest in the position.
- Curriculum Vitae: Overview of scholarly experience including research, teaching, service, funding, and publications.
- Research Statement: Summary of past accomplishments, current work, and future research plans.
- Teaching Statement: Philosophy and experience in teaching and mentoring.

Letters of Recommendation: Candidates selected for the shortlist will be asked to provide three letters of reference.

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. It fosters collaboration across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to lead in thought and innovation.

Department Information

The Department of Geography, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, recently celebrated its 100th birthday and is among the largest geography departments in the country. Our 20+ full-time faculty and eight staff members manage a graduate program with some 50 students and an undergraduate program with 450 majors. We are known nationally and internationally as a leader in social and environmental geography, GIS, spatial analysis, and atmospheric sciences and meteorology. Our faculty include members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academies of Science.

Faculty in the department’s Atmospheric Science Program study a range of climate-related phenomena including global and regional climate change, paleoclimates, climate modeling, cryospheric assessment and impacts, tropical meteorology, atmospheric circulation, severe storms and tornadogenesis, tropical glacier melt, drought, and atmosphere-surface interactions.

Four objectives guide our day-to-day reality as a department:

• We are committed to extending and deepening our longstanding identity as a top-tier research unit by supporting our faculty’s grant-writing, fieldwork, lab work, and research-dissemination activities.
• We are deeply committed to providing our undergraduate majors with a rigorous and inspiring education, as evidenced by our ongoing curricular renovation and our routine investments in undergraduate research opportunities.
• We are dedicated to preparing our graduate students for professional success, whether in academia or in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.
• We champion a collegial workplace that students, faculty and staff can be proud to call their professional home.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community.  While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available.  More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.  

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location:

Derby Hall (0025)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.