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We’re committed to bringing passion and energy to Colorado School of Mines.

The Department of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) at the Colorado School of Mines invites applicants for a two-year (non-tenured, non-tenure-track) Visiting Assistant Professor or Associate Professor position focused on The Energy Transition & Society.

We seek a colleague who focuses on the politics and policies of the energy transition, broadly construed. This may include (but is not limited to) topics such as: political participation in the energy transition; how energy governance intersects infrastructure and innovation; how energy transition initiatives interact with places and spaces; the multi-scalar dynamics of climate governance; the challenges and opportunities of a just transition and energy justice; the political economy of the energy transition and climate finance; cultural influences on energy imaginaries and regulations; and/or the political and policy dynamics of climate change adaptation.

We welcome applicants from all fields in the social sciences and humanistic social sciences. The scholar will join a multi-disciplinary Department of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at an applied science and engineering university with an active, hands-on approach to addressing global challenges in Earth, Energy, and Environment. In keeping, we are especially interested in social science scholars who have a track record of, or a clear plan for, interdisciplinary engagement (with humanists and/or applied scientists and engineers) or public engagement (via teaching, research, or outreach). The position provides an opportunity to invigorate creative, interdisciplinary scholarship on the social dimensions of changing energy systems and environments.

Competitive applicants will have training and expertise in a relevant social science discipline or interdisciplinary field (including, but not limited to: anthropology, decolonial studies, environmental studies, ethnic studies, geography, media studies, political science, public policy, science and technology studies, sociology, or urban studies).

The successful candidate will teach a mix of undergraduate and graduate courses. One of these courses will be a graduate-level course focused on the energy transition and society. The scholar must also have a strong research agenda and show success in research during their time on campus.

The successful candidate will join a community of scholars affiliated with degree programs including the interdisciplinary graduate programs in Natural Resources & Energy Policy (HASS), Advanced Energy Systems, Humanitarian Science and Engineering, and Hydrologic Science and Engineering; undergraduate programs such as the University Honors and Scholars Program, the interdisciplinary Energy minor, and HASS minors in Environmental and Sustainability Studies as well as Culture, Creativity and Communication; university consortia including The Payne Institute for Public Policy, the Mines/National Renewable Energy Laboratory Nexus, and the Global Energy Future Initiative; and departmental initiatives including The Critical Environments Lab and the Hennebach Program in the Humanities.

This is a two-year position, with the possibility of an additional one-year contract extension. Expected start date is fall 2024.

Responsibilities:

-Develop/maintain a successful and externally funded research program that will produce scholarly publications.
-Teach undergraduate students from majors across the university and Masters students in the Natural Resources & Energy Policy Program.
-Contribute to HASS, Mines, and professional communities through active service.
-Promote and contribute to an inclusive and diverse Mines community.
-Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

Minimum Qualifications:

-Demonstrated teaching experience at the university level.
-Ph.D. in hand by the time the appointment begins (fall 2024).
-An active research agenda that pursues compelling questions about the energy transition and society.
-Assistant Professor candidates must demonstrate the potential for excellence and a positive trajectory in university-level teaching, scholarship, and service.
– Professor candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of success in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
-Associate Professor candidates must have an established and currently funded research program with clear potential for continuance.
-Associate Professor candidates must have a record of publication at top-tier international conferences and/or journals in the search area.
-Demonstrated teaching experience as the sole instructor of university-level courses.
-Commitment to excellence in teaching and curriculum development.
-Demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in higher education and a commitment to addressing these issues through concrete action.
-Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Demonstrated teaching experience as the sole instructor of university-level courses.
-Commitment to innovation in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
-Demonstrated ability to develop or maintain an externally funded research program.
-A track record of, or a clear plan for, interdisciplinary engagement (with humanists and/or applied scientists and engineers) or public engagement (via teaching, research, or outreach).

HASS and Mines:

HASS faculty are dedicated to delivering a program of excellence in the arts, humanities and social sciences that is designed to prepare students for the complex challenges of professional, civic, and private life in the 21st century. The HASS Department at Mines is refreshingly multidisciplinary and unique. Whereas other universities have many individual departments, HASS has faculty from across the arts, humanities, and social sciences housed together. Professors in history, political science, literature, music, geography, philosophers, and more constitute a creative amalgam of expertise and a dedication to Mines students. Our interdisciplinary faculty design creative courses, collaborate with departments across campus, and spearhead innovative–and sometimes transdisciplinary–research. HASS is also home for novel initiatives, such as the undergraduate Environmental Leadership Lab, a growing graduate degree in NREP, and 22 full-time faculty with impressive publication records.

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s in the humanities, manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Annual Rate and Benefits

Associate Professor $72,000 – $79,000
Assistant Professor $67,000 – $74,000

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care. Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible. For full consideration, applications should be received by November 15, 2023. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled. To apply, visit: https://mines.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Mines_Careers/job/Colorado/Hennebach-Visiting-Assistant-Professor-or-Associate-Professor-of-Energy-Transition—Society_JR102252 .

Applications must include: 1) a cover letter stating area of interest, highlighting accomplishments to date, future directions at Mines and how they will interface with the department.; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) statement of research; 4) statement of teaching; and, 5) a diversity statement

Research Statement: Candidates should describe how their research relates to and complements research activities and expertise at Mines, its expected scholarly and societal impact, its relevance to Mines’ goals, and current or future connections to industry and/or opportunities for entrepreneurship. The statement should cover both the candidate’s past history of successful research as well as their plans for future research at Mines. Candidates should also be sure to describe any transdisciplinary aspects of their research. (For more information visit https://www.mines.edu/president/planning/.)

Teaching Statement: Mines is committed to high-quality, hands-on, and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education.

Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Candidates should submit a statement on Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion. Mines is committed to access, inclusion, and diversity and is actively developing a strategic plan to advance Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (for more information visit https://www.mines.edu/about/diversity-and-inclusion/). The diversity and inclusion statement should describe your past experience and should propose concrete research, teaching, and/or service activities that will advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines and beyond.

Contact Dorie Gelber Chen, Human Resources, at dchen1@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.

Background Investigation Required: Yes

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!