Assistant Teaching Professor in Spatial Data Science

University Park, PA, USA
Assistant Teaching Professor in Spatial Data Science

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Geography at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a non-tenure line faculty position at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor in Spatial Data Science. The successful candidate will teach and advise students in Penn State's online geospatial education programs:

This is a 36-week, non-tenure line faculty appointment, funded for an initial three-year term with a strong expectation of renewal, contingent on performance and continuing program needs. Penn State offers a clear pathway for professional growth and promotion through its established non-tenure line faculty promotion process.

We seek candidates with professional and/or academic experience (ideally both) in spatial data science, with an emphasis on one or more key focus areas, including: cartography, geovisualization, spatial statistics, web mapping, and GeoAI. Experience in higher education, and in particular with online learning, is preferred.

Responsibilities

The candidate's primary responsibility will be to contribute to graduate teaching and advising in spatial data science topics for Penn State's online geospatial education programs. Based on candidate expertise and program needs, opportunities may arise to contribute to online program administration, teach on-campus classes, and engage in externally-funded research. A total of six courses will be taught each year, although a combination of course development and preparation, course teaching, and program administration tasks may be offered depending on program needs and candidate qualifications. The position is based at the University Park campus, with the possibility of a hybrid schedule (some days in the office and others remote) as determined during the interview process.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geography, Spatial Data Science, Geoinformatics, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment (July 1, 2026).

• Professional and/or academic experience (ideally both) in spatial data science.

• Expertise in one or more focus areas such as cartography, geovisualization, spatial statistics, web mapping, and GeoAI.

• Experience in higher education, particularly online education, is strongly preferred.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted electronically and include:

• A cover letter (no more than three pages) describing teaching philosophy, teaching experience, and how the candidate would contribute to Penn State's geospatial education programs.

• Curriculum vitae.

• Contact information for three professional references.

Applicants are expected to have completed all requirements of a PhD in Geography, Spatial Data Science, Geoinformatics, or a related discipline by July 1, 2026. This is a non-tenure line position. Application review will begin on October 31, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

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EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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