Assistant or Associate Professor in Hydrologic Sciences at University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky

A Ph.D. in Hydrogeology, Hydrologic Sciences, Geoscience, or a related field is required by August 1, 2026.

A demonstrated peer-reviewed publication record and clear potential for developing a nationally recognized research program are required.

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The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky (UK) in Lexington, Kentucky, seeks to fill a tenure-eligible faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with expertise in the field of Hydrologic Sciences/Hydrogeology. This is a 9-month position in the regular title series with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2026. The anticipated first year Distribution of Effort will be 25% teaching, 65% research, and 10% departmental service; after, the Distribution of Effort will be 37% teaching, 53% research, and 10% departmental service. We seek candidates with a broad range of research expertise including, but not limited to, computational hydrogeology, hydrologic modeling, water resources, surface water-groundwater interactions, atmosphere-hydrosphere feedbacks, critical zone science, and human-water interactions. The successful candidate will have experience and interests in quantifying and forecasting freshwater availability and quality in the context of changing climate dynamics at a range of scales. In addition to maintaining a productive, externally funded research program, the successful candidate will teach and mentor at the introductory non-major, undergraduate major, and graduate levels. A demonstrated peer-reviewed publication record and clear potential for developing a nationally recognized research program are required.

This position is supported by an NSF-EPSCoR RII Track I grant aimed at building resilience to extreme weather and climate in rural Kentucky. This is one of several EPSCoR funded positions and the successful candidate will have a range of collaborative opportunities, including partnerships with faculty, research scientists, and students at UK (e.g., Earth and Environmental Sciences, Kentucky Geological Survey, Civil Engineering, Kentucky Water Research Institute), as well as with scholars from seven additional colleges and universities across Kentucky.

A Ph.D. in Hydrogeology, Hydrologic Sciences, Geoscience, or a related field is required by August 1, 2026.

Applicants must include the following: 1) cover letter, 2) CV, 3) research statement (upload as Specific Request 1), 4) teaching statement (upload as Specific Request 2) and 5) current transcripts. In addition, please provide the names and contact information of three references when prompted in the academic profile. This information may be utilized to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system.

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.

Questions about this search should be addressed to Dr. Andrea Erhardt, Search Committee Chair, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky (andrea.erhardt@uky.edu).

The initial review of applications will begin on December 20, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled.

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.