Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Posted: November 10, 2025
Category: Geography / Military
Location: Morgantown, WV (Remote work possible with approval)
Start Date: August 2026

Department Overview

The Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University (WVU) offers undergraduate degrees in Earth & Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies, as well as graduate programs including MA/PhD in Geography, MS/PhD in Geology, and an Online MS in GIS. Faculty secure significant external research funding, teach large student populations, and provide service at local, regional, and international levels. The department hosts the WV GIS Technical Center and WVU Center for Resilient Communities, with outstanding geospatial teaching and research facilities.

Position Description

The department invites applications for a full-time, 9-month Teaching Assistant Professor specializing in Forensic GIS. Summer teaching is required and compensated. Appointments are renewable for up to three years with eligibility for promotion. A fully remote work location is possible with departmental approval.

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching courses for the online MS program in Geographic Information Science and Spatial Analysis.

• Courses will include Forensic GIS, geo-intelligence, national security, crime mapping, and forensic investigation using GIS.

• Normal teaching load: 8 online courses per academic year (4-4 load), plus up to 2 summer courses.

• Recruiting, mentoring, and advising a diverse population of online graduate students.

• Participation in workshops, conferences, and other student recruitment events.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in Geography or a related Geospatial Science field (ABD considered if degree completed by hire date).

• Academic background and professional experience in at least four of the following areas:

  1. Geospatial Data Science

  2. Python Programming

  3. Crime Mapping / Forensic GIS

  4. Web GIS Development

  5. 3D Crime Scene Reconstruction

  6. OSINT / Geospatial Intelligence

• Experience teaching GIS in an asynchronous online environment.

• Administrative ability to manage graduate studies.

• Excellent teaching, mentoring, and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Engagement in broader community impact and support for WVU’s land-grant mission.

• Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning and FAIR Data Practices.

Application Instructions

Submit a single PDF document via WVU Careers including:

1. Curriculum vitae

2. Application letter (classroom experience)

3. Teaching statement

4. Unofficial transcript

5. List of 3–5 references with full contact information

6. Any student or external evaluation of instruction

Review begins: December 15, 2025 (applications accepted until filled).

Contact: Dr. Michael Harman, Online GIS Program Coordinator & Search Chair – Michael.harman@mail.wvu.edu

About Morgantown, WV

• Growing university city with abundant outdoor recreation and cultural opportunities.

• ~70 miles from Pittsburgh, PA; ~200 miles from Washington, DC, and Columbus, OH.

Why WVU?

• Supportive community promoting work-life balance and collaboration.

• Core values: Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability, Appreciation.

• Equal Opportunity Employer; underrepresented groups encouraged to apply.