Assistant Professor

Department: Geography
Rank: Assistant Professor
Start Date: August 1, 2025

The University of Victoria Campus is located on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish Peoples and we are privileged to do our work in a way that is inspired by their history, customs and culture.

The Department of Geography at the University of Victoria aims to conduct cutting-edge research and teaching to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between humans and their environment. It seeks to foster critical thinking about spatial phenomena and promote sustainable practices through education and research. Our research and instructors value our many partnerships with local communities and organizations to address pressing issues facing our world. The department is strongly committed to both excellence and equity and to increasing the diversity of approaches and perspectives in teaching and research.

The Department invites applications from talented scholars for a tenure track position in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Data Science at the rank of Assistant Professor to commence August 1, 2025. The candidate’s qualifications, experience and overall market demand will determine a candidate’s final salary offer. The salary for this position includes a competitive salary range of $115,000 – $125,000. UVic is committed to offering an equitable and competitive salary, inclusive of a generous benefits package, eligible leaves and pension plan.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative teaching, cutting-edge research, and the advancement of remote sensing and geospatial data science in a diverse academic environment. The successful candidate will specialize in the analysis, interpretation, and application of remote sensing data in conjunction with data science methods. Areas of focus may include, but are not limited to, satellite and airborne remote sensing, AI, machine learning, analysis of large datasets, geospatial modeling, digital twins, and applications in environmental science, climate change, urban studies, or other relevant fields.

The successful candidate will be expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Establish a successful externally funded program to conduct independent, high-impact research in remote sensing and geospatial data science.
• Develop collaborative research projects with a diversity of partners that lead to impactful outputs in peer-reviewed journals and other meaningful outlets.
• Develop and deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in remote sensing and geospatial data science using inclusive pedagogical practices.
• Contribute to the department’s research strengths in geospatial data science, environmental monitoring, and geospatial data applications.
• Develop a supportive research lab environment for supervising and mentoring Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD students.
• Engage in departmental, university, and community service activities in ways that enhance collegiality within campus and beyond.

Core Requirements:

• A PhD (or late-term ABD) in Geography, Geospatial Science, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in remote sensing techniques and geospatial data science, including the use of relevant methods, software, and programming languages.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications in remote sensing and geospatial data science, and evidence of potential for securing external research funding from a diversity of sources.
• A demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching practices at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diversity of faculty, staff, and students in an interdisciplinary academic environment.

Preferred Assets:

• Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics applied to remote sensing or geospatial data.
• Expertise in the integration of remote sensing data with other data sources (e.g., environmental, infrastructure, and socioeconomic).
• Prior teaching experience in higher education, particularly in remote sensing, geospatial data science, or related subjects.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Submission of Application:
To apply, please submit the following materials in one PDF or MS Word file to Dr. David Atkinson, Department Chair, at geogchair@uvic.ca by March 31, 2025:

• A one-page cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements (self-identifying is encouraged).
• A three-page statement of your existing and proposed research program including a summary of your three most significant research contributions.
• A two-page statement of teaching experience and approach.
• A one-page statement describing your strengths and experiences in increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in your professional interpersonal interactions, research, teaching and supervision.
• Contact information for three referees.

Please note that reference checks will be done, and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association (www.uvicfa.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; if you are neither a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, please indicate if you are authorized to work in Canada, and be prepared to provide a copy of your permit authorizing same.