University of Chicago - Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi)

Homepage: https://climateengineering.uchicago.edu/

Position Description

The University of Chicago invites applications for tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor, and tenured faculty positions at the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor, from scholars who will make significant contributions to Climate Systems Engineering. The University is building a world-leading Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) with multiple faculty hires spanning open-system carbon removal, sunlight reflection methods, and interventions to limit the loss of glacial ice. We seek individuals who will lead research programs that will produce significant contributions to their field and to this research initiative.

Applications are welcome from all relevant academic disciplines, including physical and biological sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities. We welcome applications from scholars who have not previously worked on climate systems engineering and from scholars who focus on the physical or social risks of Climate Systems Engineering. Appointments will be made in an appropriate primary department based on field, with secondary appointment(s) in another unit possible.

Research on Climate Systems Engineering is inherently interdisciplinary, so we seek individuals with a track record of collaboration beyond their discipline; the University’s culture is highly collaborative.

These positions are benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Qualifications

Assistant Professor: Completion of all requirements for a doctoral degree is required prior to appointment.

Associate Professor and Professor: Doctoral degree. Evidence of leadership in the field and a record of independent research.

Application Instructions

The following materials are required:

• A brief cover letter,
• A curriculum vitae,
• A statement of research plans (up to 5 pages) that describes how you plan to integrate research on climate systems engineering into your overall research trajectory,
• A statement of teaching philosophy and experience.
• Assistant Professor only: Applicants are required to request three confidential letters of recommendation through Interfolio.

The following additional materials may be requested:

• Associate Professor and Professor: Names and contact information of three individuals who can provide confidential letters of recommendation.

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago’s Academic Job’s website, using the link for the rank you are applying for:

• Assistant Professor: apply.interfolio.com/195850
• Associate Professor and Professor: apply.interfolio.com/195886

Review of applications will begin on November 30, 2026, and continue until all positions are filled.

Base salary ranges, by rank:

• Assistant Professor: $120,000 - $150,000
• Associate Professor: $130,000 - $165,000
• Professor: $155,000 - $210,000

These base salary ranges are for a nine-month academic appointment. Individuals may be eligible for summer salary. These positions may be eligible for a taxable moving allowance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions