Faculty Positions: Environmental Sciences and Sustainability, AUS179 Views

justify;">Because AUS follows a student-centred, North American–style educational model, the appointee is also expected to incorporate active learning, continuous assessment, and clear learning outcomes into course design. This approach supports high levels of student engagement and prepares graduates for both professional roles and further study.

Balance Between Teaching, Research, and Service

Although teaching is a central component of the position, the role is not limited to classroom instruction. AUS expects faculty members to maintain a vibrant research programme in their area of expertise. That research can range from laboratory and field studies to policy-oriented or interdisciplinary projects that involve collaborations with other departments or external partners.

In addition, the appointee will participate in departmental and university service. Typical activities include serving on committees, contributing to accreditation processes, advising students, and helping to organise academic events. This blend of responsibilities allows faculty to shape the intellectual life of the department while developing a comprehensive academic portfolio.

Rolling-Track Nature of the Appointment

The position is described as rolling-track, which combines many of the strengths of a long-term appointment with structured performance reviews. Rather than being a short-term contract, the role is designed to provide continuity, allowing the successful candidate to develop courses, build research collaborations, and

supervise graduate students over several years.

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Contribution to the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Management

Teaching within the MSc-ENS Program

A distinctive feature of this position is its integration with the Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability and Management (MSc-ENS). The faculty member will teach graduate-level courses within this programme, guiding students who are preparing for leadership roles in environmental management, policy, and research.

Graduate teaching typically involves smaller cohorts, advanced topics, and greater emphasis on independent work. The appointee may supervise group projects, direct research-based assignments, and support students in designing theses that respond to pressing sustainability challenges in the region and beyond.

Curriculum Development and Accreditation Support

Because the MSc-ENS is relatively new and actively evolving, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to its ongoing development. This may involve designing new electives in emerging areas such as environmental informatics, environmental genomics, or climate-adaptation planning. It may also include revising existing syllabi to align with professional standards, international benchmarks, and accreditation requirements.

Participation in curriculum committees, learning-outcome mapping, and continuous improvement processes ensures that the programme remains rigorous, relevant, and attractive to prospective students. These activities give the appointee a direct voice in shaping the academic profile of environmental sustainability at AUS.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Real-World Impact

Environmental challenges rarely fit neatly

within a single discipline. Consequently, the position provides extensive opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in engineering, business, architecture, and social sciences. Joint projects might address issues such as sustainable urban development, renewable energy integration, environmental health, or circular-economy strategies for the Gulf region.

Beyond campus, the faculty member may engage with government ministries, environmental agencies, and industry partners. Such collaborations can generate applied research projects, consultancy opportunities, and internships for students, thereby linking classroom learning with real-world impact.

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Required Qualifications

To be considered for the faculty role, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications established by AUS:

• • Doctoral Degree: A PhD in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Sustainability, or a closely related field. Equivalent qualifications in allied areas may be considered if the candidate’s research and teaching clearly focus on environmental topics.

  • Teaching, Research, and Service: A demonstrated record of teaching, scholarly activity, and academic service, or compelling evidence of the potential to build such a record within the AUS environment.

These requirements ensure that the successful applicant can design and deliver advanced courses, supervise student research effectively, and contribute to the broader academic mission of the university. Evidence that typically strengthens an application

includes peer-reviewed publications, invited talks, prior curriculum development, and participation in departmental or institutional committees.

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Preferred Expertise and Research Profile

While the minimum criteria define eligibility, the vacancy also sets out preferred qualifications that signal a particularly strong fit:

• • Teaching Experience: Prior teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels in environmental sustainability, environmental management, or closely related areas. Experience with diverse pedagogical approaches, such as project-based learning or blended delivery, is especially valuable.

  • Specialised Expertise: Demonstrated competence in one or more of the following areas – environmental informatics, environmental genomics, or environmental modelling. These subfields support the department’s strategic focus on data-driven analysis and advanced methods.

  • Active Research Programme: An ongoing research agenda in any of the above areas, ideally with evidence of publications, competitive grants, or collaborative projects.

Candidates who integrate quantitative methods, modern analytical tools, or molecular techniques with applied sustainability questions are particularly well positioned. The department also welcomes applicants capable of building networks within the university and with external partners such as regional environmental agencies, NGOs, or industry stakeholders.

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About the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences

Academic Programmes and Minors

The position is based in the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, a multidisciplinary unit in the College of Arts & Sciences. The department offers:

• • Bachelor of Science programmes in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Environmental Sciences and Sustainability

  • Minors in Biology, Environmental Sciences, and Environmental Policy and Sustainability

This portfolio allows for cross-listed courses and integrated curricula. Students can combine laboratory-based science with policy-focused minors, creating pathways into environmental consulting, regulatory work, or further academic research.

Research Culture and Laboratory Infrastructure

The department currently includes 17 full-time faculty members and 10 full-time laboratory staff, all engaged in research across diverse scientific disciplines. This mix supports a strong research culture, with faculty collaborating on projects that range from molecular biology and biochemistry to ecosystem analysis and environmental policy studies.

Laboratories are equipped for teaching and research, providing facilities for field sampling, chemical and biological analysis, and specialised environmental measurements. The presence of experienced lab staff helps maintain equipment, ensures compliance with safety standards, and supports student projects, enabling faculty to focus on guiding research directions and mentoring.

Opportunities for New Faculty

A new faculty member joining this department gains access to an established network of colleagues with complementary expertise. There is scope to develop joint research proposals, co-supervise MSc and potentially PhD students, and participate in departmental seminars or reading groups. The department’s multidisciplinary orientation also makes it easier to align research proposals with wider institutional priorities in sustainability, health, and innovation.

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Application Process and Timeline

The official job advertisement indicates a post date in October 2025 and an application deadline in January 2026, with the position remaining open until filled. This pattern mirrors other science faculty searches at AUS, which often open in the autumn and close in late January of the following year. If a similar call is renewed, prospective applicants can reasonably expect the next major cycle to open around October 2026, with an anticipated deadline around January 2027; exact dates will be confirmed in future announcements and should be checked on the official website once available.

Stage One – Initial Submission

For the first stage of evaluation, applicants are requested to submit the following materials in PDF format through the AUS application portal:

• • A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) outlining academic qualifications, employment history, publications, grants, and teaching experience.

  • A concise letter of interest explaining the applicant’s fit for the position, including alignment with environmental sciences and sustainability, teaching philosophy, and proposed research themes.

These documents allow the search committee to form an initial impression of how well each candidate fits the advertised profile.

Subsequent Stages and Additional Documentation

Candidates who progress beyond the initial screening may be asked to provide further documentation. This often includes:

• • A teaching statement with examples of courses taught, sample syllabi, or evidence of innovative pedagogy.

  • A research statement describing key achievements, current projects, and future plans.

  • Representative publications or creative outputs.

  • Reference letters from established academics or professional supervisors.

Shortlisted applicants may also be invited to participate in online interviews, deliver research presentations, or give sample teaching sessions. These activities help the department assess communication skills, interaction with students, and compatibility with the existing team.

Tips for a Strong Application

To maximise the impact of your application:

• • Use the letter of interest to make explicit links between your work and environmental sciences, sustainability, and the MSc-ENS programme.

  • Emphasise experience in programme development, curriculum design, or interdisciplinary collaboration, as these contributions are highlighted as valuable in the call.

  • Provide specific examples of courses you have taught, projects you have supervised, and service roles you have undertaken that demonstrate readiness for a rolling-track appointment.

  • Ensure your CV clearly distinguishes peer-reviewed publications from other outputs and highlights any external funding or awards.

  • When publishing this guide on a website such as CareerAidHub, make sure the page is fully indexable (no inadvertent “noindex” tags) so that prospective applicants can discover the information through search engines.

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Why This Position Matters for Environmental and Sustainability Scholars

For academics specialising in environmental science, this role offers more than a conventional teaching appointment. It situates the successful candidate:

• • Within a multidisciplinary department that integrates biology, chemistry, and environmental science, thereby enabling truly interdisciplinary inquiry.

  • In a university that places sustainability at the heart of many strategic initiatives, from curriculum design to campus operations.

  • In a geographic region where issues such as water scarcity, coastal adaptation, urban growth, and energy transition are highly salient and require carefully designed research.

This combination makes the position well suited to scholars who wish to link rigorous science with policy-relevant outcomes. It also provides fertile ground for developing externally funded projects, establishing international collaborations, and mentoring students who are motivated to address real-world environmental problems.

 

Is This the Right Opportunity for You?

Academic Profile and Career Stage

The position is particularly appropriate for candidates who already hold a doctorate in environmental sciences or a closely aligned field and who have begun to build a record of publications, conference presentations, and course delivery. Early-career academics with a strong postdoctoral profile, as well as more experienced scholars seeking a new institutional context, may both find the role attractive.

Alignment with Long-Term Goals

When assessing fit, consider how the role aligns with your long-term career objectives:

• • If you aim to lead a research group that addresses regionally relevant sustainability challenges, AUS offers a strong institutional platform.

  • If you value teaching and mentoring, the combination of undergraduate and graduate responsibilities will allow you to work with students at different stages of development.

  • If interdisciplinary collaboration and applied impact are important to you, the university’s location and departmental structure provide clear opportunities.

Review and Update Timelines for Applicants and Web Publishers

From an applicant’s perspective, it is wise to begin preparing materials several months before expected advertisement dates, particularly if you plan to assemble new reference letters or update your teaching portfolio. Monitoring the AUS employment site around October each year is a practical strategy.

Conclusion: Next Steps for Prospective Applicants

The Faculty Position in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability at the American University of Sharjah offers a carefully balanced mix of teaching, research, and programme development within a dynamic, internationally oriented institution. The role sits at the intersection of environmental science and practical sustainability, providing scope to influence both academic discourse and real-world decision-making in the Gulf region.

Program Snapshot – Faculty Position in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability

Feature	Details
Program Name	Faculty Position in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability – College of Arts & Sciences
Host Country	United Arab Emirates (Sharjah, Gulf region)
Funded By	American University of Sharjah (AUS)
Duration	Full-time, rolling-track appointment with regular performance-based reviews
Study Mode	On-campus, full-time faculty role combining teaching, research, and service
Eligibility	PhD in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Sustainability, or closely related field; record or clear potential in teaching, research, and service
Financial Support	Competitive salary with housing allowance and comprehensive benefits as per AUS policies
Fields of Study	Environmental sciences, sustainability, environmental informatics, environmental genomics, environmental modelling, and related areas
Deadline	January 30, 2026
Official Website	Employment Faculty Position

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Frequently Asked Questions