Universidad de los Andes

Universidad de los Andes (https://uniandes.edu.co/en/university/about-us) is a private nonsectarian university located in the historic center of Bogotá, Colombia, and is consistently ranked among the top ten universities in Latin America. Our Department offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate program in Geosciences with a strong component in mathematics and physics, computer programming and geophysics, together with the essentials of environmental geochemistry, paleontology, geology and remote sensing. Elective pathways include georesources, environmental geosciences, geohazards and geoheritage.

Homepage: https://geociencias.uniandes.edu.co/

The Department of Geosciences at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Geosciences at the Assistant Professor rank, with particular emphasis in the areas of Paleontology, Micropaleontology or Geobiology. We especially encourage to apply candidates who pursue an interdisciplinary approach, apply quantitative methods, are dedicated to teaching paleontological undergraduate courses, and are experienced in public outreach, geodiversity or geoheritage. Exceptional candidates may be considered for hiring at the Associate Professor rank.

Competitive applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree and should have a strong publication record, ideally with a relevant postdoctoral experience or work experience in the field of paleontology, in paleontological museums, in geological surveys, academy, or industry. Fluency in Spanish language is preferred but not compulsory. However, successful candidates are expected to rapidly develop communication and teaching skills in Spanish.

This position covers teaching, research and institutional development tasks. The minimum teaching load consists of three courses each semester (12 credits), including an introductory Geosciences course that must be taught every semester to a wide, non-scientific student audience. In addition, the candidate is expected to be dedicated to innovative and high-quality undergraduate teaching, contributing to the design, teaching and continuous improvement of undergraduate courses in Paleontology, Geobiology and Stratigraphy, with the potential to eventually cover courses in Environmental Geochemistry or Exogenic Processes. It is also expected that, over time, the Professor will design elective courses in similar areas, including courses based on challenges or projects in alliance with the external sector. The successful candidate will be expected to offer student mentoring in undergraduate research projects, professional practices, innovation practices, and internships, and provide individual academic advice to students.

In addition, the successful candidate is expected to develop a research program funded through external funds and contribute to the development of the Department of Geosciences, the Faculty of Sciences, and the Universidad de los Andes. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to carry out an interview, a seminar, and an undergraduate class in Paleontology.

Interested applicants should submit their applications electronically, sending all the following documents in a single PDF file to: director-geociencias@uniandes.edu.co and copied to pregrado-geociencias@uniandes.edu.co and to n.pardo@uniandes.edu.co

1) Cover letter, with your motivation and contact information of two professional references
2) Curriculum Vitae with a list of publications and teaching experience
3) Teaching statement (defining your teaching experience and approach in relation to paleontology within the Geosciences curriculum program)
4) A research proposal that focusses on the relevance of the proposed topics for Colombia

Applications lacking one or more of these documents will not be considered.

Pre-submission enquiries regarding the position may be addressed to the Director of the Department of Geosciences, Dr Natalia Pardo, at same emails listed above. Applications must be submitted by midnight on March 15th, 2025 (UTC-5). Those shortlisted will be contacted prior to March 30th. Applicants are expected to start the appointment in Colombia by July 30th.