Description

Position Details

Position Information

Working Position Title
Open Rank Professor - Atmospheric Science (6219)

Classification Title
Assistant Professor

Position Number
00006219

Posting Date
10/02/2025

Closing Date

Priority Review Date
12/01/2025

Business Unit Description
Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time
Full-Time

FTE
1.00

Position Status
Regular

FLSA
Exempt

Job Code
2000

Union Representation
Union

Union Code
N/A

Unit/Department
Earth Atmosphere & Environment

College/Unit
College of LA&S Dean

Division
Academic Division

Location
DH 118

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page
Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Northern Illinois University invites applications for an assistant, associate, or full professor in the field of atmospheric science. The position will begin in August of 2026 and may be offered as tenure track or with tenure, based on the candidate's documented record of achievement, and subject to approval from the Department, College, University, and NIU Board of Trustees.

Earth, Atmosphere and Environment offers programs leading to the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, and currently has 14 faculty members, whose research and teaching interests are described on our web site at https://go.niu.edu/eae .

NIU is a public research university in DeKalb, an affordable and growing community that is a commutable distance from Chicago and Rockford metropolitan areas. The proximity of DeKalb to Chicago provides easy access to Chicago's Technology and Research Corridor (e.g., Argonne, Fermi, many Fortune 1000 companies, etc.), the arts and extensive nature preserves and parks. Our 16,000+ student body is diverse, with many first-generation and racially and culturally diverse students. NIU is dedicated to fostering an inclusive academic environment where all students, faculty and staff thrive.

Position Summary

We are seeking a scholar whose research interests complement existing Department strengths in numerical modeling, weather and climate extremes, climate variability and change, artificial intelligence, climate analytics, or other related areas. The Department is particularly interested in candidates who can integrate applied atmospheric science using machine learning, statistics, or other forms of data analytics into their teaching and scholarship.

The successful candidate is expected to seek external funding in support of scholarship; a successful applicant at the associate or full professor level should have a well-established record of externally funded research and teaching excellence.

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with faculty in our Weather, Climate and Society Research Group, our broader Department, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Convective Storms ( CIRCS ), and/or the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability ( NICCS ) hub.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of meteorology and climate science undergraduates in the Department's B.S. programs as well as teach, mentor, and advise Earth,Atmosphere and Environment students at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels. The individual will be expected to teach a two-course weather dynamics sequence and other courses that align with their expertise and Department needs. Student engagement is a key component to NIU's mission. As such, the desired candidate will aid in the development of unique learning opportunities that enhance STEM education and outreach.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in atmospheric science, meteorology, or related field by the time of appointment.
• A record of publications in respected, peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Evidence of strong research skills and commitment to quality education.
• To be considered at the associate or full professor level, a well-established research portfolio, including externally funded, independent research and an extensive peer-reviewed academic journal publication record.

Additional Requirements

• Experience in programming, data visualization, machine learning, statistics, and/or other data-driven techniques.
• Evidence of applied and/or interdisciplinary research experience.
• Evidence of high-quality teaching and experiential learning engagement with diverse students at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Prior grant writing experience.
• Experience in mentoring students and/or postdocs.
• Evidence of commitment to service to the science community at a commensurate level with rank.

Preferred Qualifications

None

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements, please see human resources policies and protocols.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date
08/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year
0.75

Standard Hours Per Week
37.50

Salary
Faculty salaries are guided by the collective bargaining agreement . NIU offers a robust benefits package .

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range
$4,722.23 - $8,333.34

Earn Type
Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Full consideration will be given to all applications received by December 1, 2025. Applicants should visit Open Rank Professor - Atmospheric Science to submit the following materials:

• Cover letter: including your interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and email addresses of at least three references
• Statement of teaching experience, effectiveness, and philosophy (no more than 2 pages)
• Statement of research goals (no more than 2 pages)
• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment) through the NIU Human Resource Services' online job application system

Review will commence for completed applications received by December 1, 2025, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Official graduate transcripts are required upon hire.

Successful completion of a background check is also required upon hire.

Questions may be sent via email to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Walker Ashley at washley@niu.edu.

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/87007

Is Background Check Required
Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report .
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3. List of at least 3 Professional References
4. Teaching Statement
5. Research Statement
6. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts #2 (unofficial with official required at hire)
2. Transcripts #3 (unofficial with official required at hire)

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).