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. 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. 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.

• ​A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) summarizing your interests

and qualifications for this position

• ​A curriculum vitae
• A research statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your research

focus, approach, and record of scholarly productivity

• A teaching statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your

pedagogical approach and relevant experience as a teacher or
mentor

• ​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