Kansas State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, located in Manhattan, Kansas, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Geographic Information System (GIS) and Spatial Modeling. The appointment is expected to begin in August 2026. We are seeking candidates with a Ph.D. in Geography or related field with rigorous foundation in GIS programming, spatial statistics, and computational data science (such as Machine-learning, Big Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence Applied to the Environment), and conduct cutting-edge research relevant to environmental science. In addition, the selected candidate will lead the Geographic Information Systems Spatial Analysis Laboratory (GISSAL), a core K-State facility, and manage the Geocat, an enterprise ArcGIS platform designed to advance the land-grant mission in research, teaching, and engagement.
The ideal candidate will have a strong research record and a demonstrated commitment to teaching Geographic Information Science (GIScience). Evidence of scholarly publications appropriate to career stage is expected, as well as experience in, or the potential for, securing external research funding. This is a nine-month, full-time appointment.
The appointed faculty member will complement and enhance the Department’s existing strengths, further advancing our GIS capacity to engage in innovative research. The successful candidate will be encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary research collaborations with scientists and other scholars across the Kansas State University campus. This position will bolster Kansas State University’s ability to address critical challenges related to the state’s economy and environment. By fostering interdisciplinary research that bridges agriculture, engineering, and geospatial sciences, the faculty member will contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources. The timing of this appointment is particularly exciting, as it directly supports the establishment of the new School of Earth and Environment.
Candidates should have completed a Ph.D. by the time of the appointment and demonstrate the potential to develop a strong research program, including the pursuit of extramural research grants and collaborative research. Excellence in teaching and advising is expected. Anticipated allocation of time to research (R), teaching (T), and/or engagement (E): Research: 40%; Teaching 30%; Engagement & Service: 30%.
The Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences at Kansas State University (K-State) in Manhattan, KS, stands at the forefront of geospatial education and research. Offering undergraduate (B.A./B.S.) and graduate (M.S./Ph.D.) programs, the department specializes in human-environment interaction, GIScience, and remote sensing. Housed in Seaton Hall, students and faculty benefit from state-of-the-art labs dedicated to GIS, remote sensing, and paleoenvironments, all within a top-ranked, research-intensive setting. This position presents a unique opportunity to strengthen K-State’s capacity to tackle vital economic and environmental challenges facing Kansas. By advancing interdisciplinary research that links agriculture, engineering, and geospatial sciences, the new faculty member will play a key role in promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. The timing couldn’t be better, as this appointment will be instrumental in launching the university’s new School of Earth and Environment.
This position is On-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
An application letter that describes your qualifications and the potential contributions;
A curriculum vita;
A research statement that includes a plan for pursuing extramural funding;
A statement of teaching philosophy; and
Names and contact information for three references.
Applications close on: April 15, 2026
Commensurate with experience
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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