Byers Family Chair in Environmental Studies

Job Summary

The Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for the Byers Family Chair in Environmental Studies. The successful candidate will be appointed to a tenured faculty position at the Associate or Full level, and will receive supplemental financial support for teaching, research, and engagement. This position is open to tenured faculty at the advanced associate or full rank.

We seek a new colleague with an outstanding record of scholarly achievement, an innovative interdisciplinary environmental research program, a history of leading and participating in successful cross-field collaborations, and an emphasis on solutions-oriented scholarship with strong applications for policy and practice. The specific research area is open, and candidates from across the social and natural sciences and the humanities are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates whose expertise builds upon and complements existing strengths while opening new directions for research, collaboration, and teaching within Environmental Studies.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

We comprise 31 faculty members, including 18 tenured/tenure-track and 13 teaching professors. We host five degrees, including BA, MS, and PhD degrees in Environmental Studies; a professional Master of the Environment degree (MENV); and an MS in the Outdoor Recreation Economy. We also offer dual graduate degrees in partnership with the Leeds School of Business, the Law School, and the School of Engineering. Our primary strength is in applied interdisciplinary research and education on human-environment interactions. Our faculty hold expertise in a range of areas including (but not limited to) environmental governance, climate justice, ecology, demography, science communication, aquatic biology, the built environment, and environmental health. We utilize quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches. As a department, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture and equitable opportunities for all students, staff, and faculty. We encourage and reward cutting-edge research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries and incorporates genuine partnership with stakeholders.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• The position consists of research (40%), teaching/advising (40%), and service/leadership (20%).
• Lead an innovative and high-impact research program that generates extramural funding.
• Teach three courses per year at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provide strong strategic leadership to the department through contributions to governance, strategic initiatives, research and curricular innovations, and mentorship of early career colleagues.
• Enhance the department's national and international reputation through high-impact scholarship, public-facing engagement, and strong professional leadership.

What You Should Know

• This is an in-person position with an anticipated start date of August 2027.
• Candidates being considered for appointment at the Associate Professor or Professor rank must meet University standards and unit criteria for tenure and promotion to the designated rank. These criteria generally include having an established and ongoing program of original research, a strong publication record, a demonstrated ability to obtain external funding, and a record of high-quality teaching and mentoring.
• The University of Colorado Boulder’s campus has implemented a reference check program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

What We Can Offer

The academic year (9-month) salary range for this position as Assoc Professor is $129,000 - $143,000, and as Full Professor is $173,000 - $212,000. A negotiable startup package is available, as is relocation assistance and a recruitment incentive following department guidelines to the successful candidate. The successful candidate will also receive supplemental financial support for teaching and research and/or will have the option to take summer salary from grants or other funds raised.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• PhD degree in an environmentally relevant field
• Advanced Associate Professor or Professor at the time of application.
• A record of teaching, research, and service that meets the qualifications necessary to be tenured at a major research university.
• A record of outstanding scholarly achievement, teaching effectiveness, and interdisciplinary contributions in environmental studies.
• A record of demonstrable and sustained impact beyond academia through contributions to environmental practice (e.g., policy, law, or management); ongoing engagement with communities, grassroots organizations, science communication, business, and/or the nonprofit sector; evidence of measurable improvements in environmental outcomes.

What You Will Need

Candidates should also be able to cover a range of substantive courses with environmental studies content and methodological courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels including those in the substantive area of the position as described above.

What We Would Like You to Have

Demonstrated evidence of, or potential for, achieving excellence in research, teaching, and professional leadership

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials using single-spaced, Times New Roman 11pt font, and 1-inch margins. Within your application package (cover letter and/or statements), describe how your work would support the department’s three strategic imperatives.

1. A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) summarizing your interests and qualifications for this position
2. A curriculum vitae
3. A research statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your research focus, approach, and record of scholarly productivity
4. A teaching statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your pedagogical approach and relevant experience as a teacher or mentor
5. A service statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your contributions to the profession or community through service, leadership, or public engagement

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references who will be contacted to provide letters of recommendation as the search progresses.

For consideration, please apply by November 15, 2026.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Joanna Lambert

Posting Contact Email: joanna.lambert@colorado.edu

The reference check program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination – before making hiring decisions.