Assistant Professor in Physical Geography

The Department of Geography at Durham University seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor in Physical Geography who has expertise in the field of Earth Observation. We seek someone who will complement and extend our current work in one or more of our research clusters (Hazards and Surface Change; Catchments and Rivers; Sea Level, Ice Sheets and Climate), but we particularly welcome applications from candidates who apply Earth observation approaches to outstanding problems in the fields of mountain environments, geohazards, geomorphology and catchments and river science.

The successful candidate will develop world class scholarship in their field. They will have completed a PhD in a relevant field, have a track record of internationally excellent and agenda setting publications and demonstrate a track record of, or potential for, securing external funding. They will have experience of, or show a commitment to, delivering excellent teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and Master’s-level teaching. In addition to their research, the successful candidate will contribute to the department through administrative roles commensurate with their grade.

Geography at Durham consistently ranks among the very best departments in the UK and the world. We were ranked equal =1^st in the REF 2021 research assessment exercise with a research environment that was awarded the highest possible 100% 4* score. We are ranked 6^th in the world in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Our students report high satisfaction levels in the National Student Survey. As an Assistant Professor, you will benefit from our commitment to ensure that your teaching load is sustainable, and from our generous research leave policy. This will give you time to carry out internationally excellent research, informing your teaching and supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate level. We support academics with a generous travel allowance and you will be able to apply to the Department’s Research Development Fund for additional funding to develop your research. We regularly host visiting academics and research students from around the world. The department benefits from access to diverse PhD funding sources including the IAPETUS NERC Doctoral Training Partnership. We have a suite of world-class laboratories and field equipment for research and teaching supported by an experienced team of technicians.

The post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to internationally excellent research and teaching while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to progress and embed your career in an exciting and progressive institution. The department recently achieved an Athena Swan Silver award, and we continue to further embed actions to promote equality in everything we do. We are proud of our efforts to decolonise our curricula and ensure inclusive fieldwork for staff and students, and to be part of a vibrant university community that celebrates diversity. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1 October 2026.

Please direct informal enquiries to Prof Colm O’Cofaigh (Head of Department). The closing date for applications is 10^th May 2026.

For more information on the Department of Geography see: www.dur.ac.uk/geography

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