Associate Professor of Climate Science
An Associate Professor of Climate Science conducts cutting-edge research and teaching addressing global and regional climate challenges, contributing to a university’s research reputation and graduate training. This is a sample job description from Excelon Associates that you can adapt as a template for your own hire.
What does an Associate Professor of Climate Science do?
The Associate Professor of Climate Science conducts advanced research, with an emphasis on climate modeling, climate change mitigation, or adaptation strategies, while delivering high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. The role supervises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, collaborates with academic, industry, and governmental partners, and publishes in leading peer-reviewed journals.
It is a senior faculty role within the higher education sector, contributing to national and international climate science agendas and to the institution’s research reputation.
Climate modeling uses computational simulations of the climate system to project future conditions. Mitigation reduces greenhouse-gas emissions, while adaptation manages climate impacts. Professional standards and community in the field are supported by bodies such as the American Meteorological Society.
What does the professor focus on?
Key responsibilities of an Associate Professor of Climate Science
- Conduct advanced research in climate science, with an emphasis on modeling, mitigation, or adaptation strategies relevant to the region and the wider world.
- Publish in leading peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences to enhance the institution’s research reputation.
- Develop and secure external research funding to support innovative projects.
- Deliver high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in climate science and related disciplines, fostering a stimulating learning environment.
- Supervise and mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers toward academic and professional excellence.
- Collaborate with academic colleagues, industry partners, and governmental organizations to advance research and contribute to climate science agendas.
- Participate in departmental and university governance, contributing to curriculum development and strategic planning.
What qualifications does the role require?
- PhD in Climate Science, Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a closely related field.
- A strong publication record in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, and demonstrated experience securing external research funding.
- Proven university-level teaching experience and a track record supervising graduate students and leading collaborative research.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, fostering collaboration across disciplines.
- Familiarity with climate issues in arid and semi-arid regions, with a focus on practical, policy-relevant solutions, is highly desirable.
Why is the climate science professor role important?
Climate science faculty drive research and train the scientists addressing one of the defining challenges of the era. Their work shapes the institution’s research reputation and contributes to regional and global climate solutions, often in direct partnership with government and industry.
Because the field is both technical and policy-relevant, the strongest candidates pair rigorous modeling or empirical research with the ability to translate findings for decision-makers. That combination is what turns climate scholarship into real-world impact.
A hiring note from Excelon
Climate science hires are competitive, since strong candidates are courted by universities, national labs, and industry alike. Through our higher education practice, we look for researchers with funding momentum and a policy-relevant focus, since institutions increasingly want climate scholarship that informs real decisions, not only the literature.
The strongest candidates pair rigorous research with the ability to translate findings for decision-makers.
Related sample job descriptions
Associate Professor of Climate Science: frequently asked questions
What does an Associate Professor of Climate Science do?
An Associate Professor of Climate Science conducts advanced research in areas such as climate modeling, mitigation, and adaptation; teaches undergraduate and graduate courses; supervises graduate students and postdocs; secures external funding; and publishes in peer-reviewed journals.
What qualifications does the role require?
This sample role requires a PhD in climate science, meteorology, atmospheric science, or a closely related field, a strong publication record, demonstrated success securing research funding, and proven university-level teaching experience.
What research areas does the role cover?
The role emphasizes climate modeling, climate change mitigation, and adaptation strategies, with particular value placed on climate issues relevant to arid and semi-arid regions and on practical, policy-relevant solutions.
Is this a research or teaching position?
Both. The role combines an active, externally funded research agenda with undergraduate and graduate teaching, plus graduate supervision and departmental service.
Why is this role important?
Climate science faculty drive research and train the scientists addressing one of the defining challenges of the era. Their work shapes the institution’s research reputation and contributes to regional and global climate solutions.
Hiring an Associate Professor of Climate Science?
Excelon Associates recruits sciences faculty, researchers, and academic talent for colleges and universities across the United States and internationally through our higher education recruitment practice. Retained executive search since 2007, headquartered in Asheville, NC, with offices in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, FL.
More Sample Job Descriptions
Templates you can adapt for your own roles.