Assistant Professor Of Geography

The Earth Science and Geography Department at Vassar College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in urban geography at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning fall 2026. The primary focus of this position is on US cities. Complementary specialization in other global regions is also welcome.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will teach Urban Geography and related topics, such as global urbanization, urban political ecology, socio-spatial inequalities, or urban development. Thematic and regional foci should include major theoretical and policy debates in urbanization, in the U.S and other world regions. We seek candidates with a commitment to undergraduate teaching and research, who can help our students meet emerging challenges in the critical analysis of urban systems, and who can support student development in analytical approaches that may range from qualitative to quantitative methods, such as humanistic themes of spatial perception, experience, and place-making, mapping, or applied data analysis.

The successful candidate will contribute to additional courses in Geography, such as Global Geography (Geography 102). In addition to offering courses in Geography, the candidate would cross-list courses in multidisciplinary programs, such as Urban Studies, and, as appropriate, Environmental Studies, area studies, or other programs. The teaching load in the first year is four courses; after that the teaching load is five courses per year, or four courses plus one "intensive" project involving directed student research.

Application Materials:

• Cover Letter & CV


• Teaching Statement


• Research Statement


• Community Impact Statement (https://offices.vassar.edu/dean-of-the-faculty/positions/community-impact-statement/)


• Graduate School Transcripts (unofficial copy is acceptable at the time of application)


• Course evaluation material


• Writing Sample


• Contact information for three references. Candidates will be prompted for these at a later stage, following the submission of the application.

How to Apply:

Applications should be addressed to Mary Ann Cunningham, Associate Chair for Geography, and submitted online at https://vassar.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Vassar-External. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Geography (or a closely related field) at the time of appointment. Please contact macunningham@vassar.edu with any questions. Review of applicant materials will begin on October 20, 2025 and will continue until the position has been filled. There is no guarantee that applications received after that date will be reviewed.

Pay Transparency Disclosure:

The annual base starting salary range for this position is $94,000 to $104,000 (USD). This range includes new faculty appointments beginning the first year of a standard tenure clock as well as Assistant Professors with previous tenure-line experience who will be on an accelerated tenure clock. When extending an offer of employment, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) candidate's education/training, work experience, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations. This salary range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting. The starting salary for an Assistant Professor in this position with a PhD beginning the first year of a standard tenure clock in Fall 2026 is $98,000.