Assistant Professor in Geography

Applications are invited for the following position:

Title of Post: Assistant Professor in Geography

JOB SYNOPSIS

The School of History and Geography invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Physical Geography. UL Geography is a dynamic and interdisciplinary group of academics, with research strengths including population and migration, humanitarian entrepreneurship, climate and environmental change, digital and spatial humanities, cultural and historical geography, river management and conservation, natural hazards and risk management, geospatial data science, and urban ecosystem services. Our staff have secured national, EU, and international funding, and contribute to impactful research addressing major societal challenges. We seek to appoint a scholar with expertise in physical geography who will strengthen the discipline’s research profile and deliver high quality, research-led teaching in the areas of geoinformatics, remote sensing, computational modelling, machine learning, and/or landscape assessment. The successful candidate will join a collegial and ambitious school committed to excellence in scholarship, teaching, and societal engagement. The appointee will be required to compete for national and international research funding aligned with their area of expertise and the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Funding Themes.

Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

School of History and Geography

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary Scale: €49,424 - €67,221 p.a.

University of Limerick is a research-led, energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education and scholarships. We value creativity, curiosity and excellence in our inclusive community which is committed to social good. Our motto Eagna chun Gnímh translates as Wisdom for Action reflecting our mission to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge for a better world.

Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:

Professor Alistair Malcolm

Head

School of History and Geography

University of Limerick

Email: [email protected]

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 18th November 2026

Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.

Please note your application must include:

A letter of introduction and a current CV indicating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job description.

A completed online application form.

Please email [email protected] if you experience any difficulties

Applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates.

Further information for applicants and application material is available online from: University of Limerick Vacancies

We are committed to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and transparency in pay, in line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/970)

Many thanks for your interest in this role.

TITLE OF POST: Assistant Professor in Geography LOCATION: University of Limerick REPORTS TO: Head of Department CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent SALARY SCALE: €49,424 - €67,221 p.a.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SYNOPSIS:

The School of History and Geography invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Physical Geography. UL Geography is a dynamic and interdisciplinary group of academics, with research strengths including population and migration, humanitarian entrepreneurship, climate and environmental change, digital and spatial humanities, cultural and historical geography, river management and conservation, natural hazards and risk management, geospatial data science, and urban ecosystem services. Our staff have secured national, EU, and international funding, and contribute to impactful research addressing major societal challenges. We seek to appoint a scholar with expertise in physical geography who will strengthen the discipline’s research profile and deliver high quality, research-led teaching in the areas of geoinformatics, remote sensing, computational modelling, machine learning, and/or landscape assessment. The successful candidate will join a collegial and ambitious school committed to excellence in scholarship, teaching, and societal engagement. The appointee will be required to compete for national and international research funding aligned with their area of expertise and the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Funding Themes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctoral degree (level 10NFQ) in physical geography or a close cognate discipline.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:

The Assistant Professor in Physical Geography will contribute to the school’s research profile through high-quality publications, external funding, and engagement with national and international research networks. The postholder will deliver research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervise undergraduate and postgraduate student research, and contribute to curriculum development in areas aligned with their expertise. They will also undertake administrative and service duties that support the effective functioning of the discipline, school, and the wider university. The role aligns with UL’s commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and societal impact and offers significant opportunities for career development within a supportive academic environment.

DESCRIPTION:

Scholarship and Innovation

The School of History and Geography seeks candidates who can show evidence of high-quality research outputs with impact, both within and beyond academia. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in their discipline with the potential to grow as a future research leader. Impact or prospective impact in one’s research, aligned with international standards, is essential. Evidence of excellence in research and scholarship is expected, commensurate with their career stage. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Demonstrate a strong publication record including peer-reviewed journal articles and other outputs consistent with disciplinary norms and career stage, and a coherent research plan with demonstrable potential for international recognition.

• Evidence of having achieved external research funding and/or demonstrable plans to attract national or international funding.

• Experience of, or potential for, collaboration and engagement with interdisciplinary research environments and networks.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

University of Limerick encourages scholarship and research in teaching and learning to help ensure that effective teaching is valued, supported, and developed, and to encourage innovation in teaching and learning activities. Enhancing the learning and development experience for both academics and students is a vital consideration for the university and is supported by the Centre for Transformative Learning. University of Limerick offers pedagogical training to support faculty for a career in academia. In the first years of the role, the appointee should undertake the University of Limerick’s Post-Graduate Certificate in Learning, Teaching & Assessment in Higher Education. This is not necessary if the applicant has already fully completed a similar qualification at another university, though the option exists to explore the master’s level qualification. The appointee will be assigned relevant teaching by the Head of Discipline and Head of School and will be expected to develop research-led teaching in their area of expertise. Teaching-related experience related to the delivery of effective teaching, learning, and assessment, would include:

• Delivering research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

• Contributing to existing modules in Physical Geography, including areas aligned with their expertise.

• Participating in curriculum design, innovation, and programme development.

• Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research.

• Engaging in continuous professional development in teaching and learning.

Academic Service and Contribution to Society

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proactive, collegial approach and will actively contribute to advancing the strategic goals of the discipline, school, faculty, and university. While prior experience in service roles is advantageous, it is not required at the Assistant Professor level. Relevant service contributions may include:

• Active contribution to the effective administration and functioning of the university, for example, serving on school/college/institute/university committees or boards.

• Participation in on-campus open days, student recruitment drives, and other appropriate outreach activities that contribute to the mission of the school and discipline.

• Undertaking appropriate administrative and managerial tasks that benefit the discipline & institution.

• Involvement in relevant academic and professional associations.

Mentorship and Career Planning

The appointee may be assigned a mentor within or outside of the school under the UL Mentorship programme to guide their career development. A range of supports for career advancement is available. Working with their mentor, Head of School and Head of Discipline during their first year of service, the Assistant Professor will develop a career plan as part of professional development. The plan will foster a long-term career orientation that will set the faculty member on course for developing an international profile in their discipline and carving out a rewarding and satisfying academic career. University of Limerick has a range of research resources in place across the ecosystem, from proposal development, post-award, technology transfer, research impact, ethics, and research integrity, together with administrative support at the school level.

The Successful Candidate is Expected to:

• Undertake excellent research in any area of physical geography, with preference given to those working in the areas of geoinformatics, remote sensing, computational modelling, machine learning, and/or landscape assessment.

• Teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels including the Professional Diploma in Climate Adaptation and Sustainability and the MSc Sustainability and Climate Futures.

• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research.

• Undertake the administrative tasks associated with an academic position.

Essential Criteria:

• Doctoral degree (level 10NFQ) in Physical Geography or a close cognate discipline.

• Research area that complements existing strengths in the discipline and adds expertise in one or more of the following: geoinformatics, remote sensing, computational modelling, machine learning, and /or landscape assessment.

• Evidence of conducting excellent research and publishing in high- quality academic peer-reviewed outlets commensurate with experience.

• Evidence of a developing research track record and a clear plan for external funding.

• Experience in leading the delivery of relevant geography modules at a third-level institution.

• Experience supervising undergraduate students.

• Experience undertaking administrative and academic tasks associated with a third-level academic position.

• A research plan for the next two years, including funding to be sought (max. 500 words)

• A statement outlining your teaching philosophy and experience (max. 500 words)

Desirable Criteria:

• Evidence of having achieved external research funding.

• An excellent publication record evidenced in recent high quality, peer- reviewed outlets.

• Ability to engage in collaborative research within the discipline, school, faculty and university.

• Evidence of ability to programme in any language relevant to this advertised post.

• Experience in contributing to curriculum development including the development of new programmes and modules.

• Experience in supervising postgraduate students.

Further Information for Candidates:

Recruitment Procedures used at University of Limerick (UL)

University of Limerick uses a three-stage recruitment procedure: screening, shortlisting and interview.

Screening: Initially, applications for an advertised position are screened to determine if applicants meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ as outlined in the advertised job description. It is only candidates who meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ that progress beyond this stage.

Shortlisting: Depending on the number of applications remaining, it may not be possible to interview every candidate who has passed the screening process. Therefore, at this stage the Selection Board may review the applications and select a final shortlist of candidates who, in their view, are most closely aligned to the post as advertised.

Interview: Once a shortlist has been finalised, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application. The final shortlist of candidates will then be invited to interview. We aim to provide at least two weeks’ notice to all candidates. The interview process will take the format of a standard interview and may include a presentation –you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter.

University of Limerick benefits to staff

Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including: • Supported professional development under the Researcher Development Programme and Staff Training Programmes.

• Membership of the Public Sector Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

• Membership of the Income Continuance Plan

• The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover plan.

• Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A- Z)

• Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.

• Preferential rates for health insurance.

• Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.

• Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.

Additional Links: • Join the Team in UL Join the team in UL | University of Limerick • Link to website for new staff New To UL - Staff Roadmap

Equal Opportunities

University of Limerick holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to selection on merit, welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. UL is committed to developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form. You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion here.

Culture Charter A positive culture within an organisation is a shared system of values and behaviours that influence and reflect how its people behave and interact with each other and the wider community. It is shaped by the everyday actions, behaviours and words that are used. The values and behaviours outlined in UL’s Culture Charter should guide how we act, interact and connect with one another in the challenges and successes of university life.

Pension Abatement If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012. Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

Qualifications Please take note of the essential qualifications for this position as listed in the job description. If you are successful in being offered this position, the offer will be made pending the Chair of the selection committee verifying your qualifications. Therefore, after the interview, you will be required to forward your transcripts to the Chair by email. No contract of employment will be issued until all required documentation is received.