David Blittersdorf Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy

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Position Details

Posting Details

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

Advertising Copy

Position: The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) at the University of Vermont (UVM) invites applicants for a full-time, 9-month, Endowed Associate or Full Professorship. We seek a candidate who works at the interface of science, policy, and renewable energy systems and who has expertise and experience working with broadly interdisciplinary teams. Although the professorship is in RSENR, we anticipate close ties with UVM’s College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) and the possibility of a secondary appointment there.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will contribute to research, service, and teaching and have a record of scholarship that engages with both academic and non-academic partners. They will have a demonstrated capacity to participate in energy and climate-change policy discussions, ideally at multiple scales (e.g., state, national, international), using both qualitative and quantitative data. The ideal candidate will have experience leading a high-impact research program with a strong international reputation. They will build relationships between UVM and the broader U.S. and global energy communities, leading to impactful research communicated broadly, in peer-reviewed scholarly outlets and elsewhere. Service expectations include contributing to school and university committees, and the energy systems profession at large. The successful candidate will teach courses relevant to their expertise (including required core courses) in RSENR’s undergraduate and graduate curriculum, and mentor and guide students in projects, internships, and independent studies. They will be expected to mentor and supervise graduate students and serve on thesis/dissertation committees.

Qualifications: The position requires evidence of research, experience, and impact in the field of renewable energy, sustainable energy systems, and thus climate change mitigation – with flexibility as to the relative roles of research, experience, and impact. Applicants should have a doctoral degree and the ability to develop a successful research program. The candidate will need to qualify for tenure upon hire.

Application: Applications are due on January 9th (midnight Eastern time). We anticipate a start date at the beginning of Fall Semester (mid-August) 2026. Applicants should submit the following materials (please note length limits): (1) letter of interest (one-page max), (2) statement of teaching philosophy (2 pages max), (3) statement of research (2 pages max), (4) a curriculum vitae, and (5) contact information for three references. Applications are to be submitted to www.uvmjobs.com. Inquiries may be made to Dr. Rachelle Gould, Search Chair, at rgould@uvm.edu (please include “Blittersdorf Professorship Inquiry” in the subject line).

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law. The University encourages applications from all individuals who will contribute to UVM’s Our Common Ground Values.

Setting: The campus of the University of Vermont is situated near Lake Champlain between the Green and Adirondack Mountains. Burlington, VT is consistently voted one of the best small cities in the US. In 2024, the Princeton Review ranked UVM as the #1 Best School for Making an Impact and the #16 Green College. UVM recently received R1 research classification – the Carnegie Foundation’s highest classification for level of research activity.

The Rubenstein School has more than 50 faculty (tenure-track, research, and teaching), 1200 undergraduates, and 120 graduate students in both MSc and PhD programs. Large research groups led by Rubenstein School faculty include the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory, Aiken Forestry Science Laboratory (jointly operated with the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Forest Research Station), the Gund Institute for Environment, and the recently launched Climate Measurements Center of Excellence and Casella Center for Circular Economy and Sustainability. Faculty in the Rubenstein School have expertise spanning numerous disciplines and research focus areas, including environmental science, ecology, climate change, sustainability science, ecological economics, environmental policy, human behavior, and environmental justice.

The College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) is home to about 120 faculty (tenure-track, research, and teaching), 1400 undergraduate students, and 300 graduate students. CEMS is home to CREATE, a convergent research center with 20 faculty across CEMS focused on advancing the next generation of energy and autonomous technologies. CREATE is driven by the rapid changes in today’s power and energy systems, spurred by the aggressive decarbonization and electrification policies in Vermont and beyond. CEMS also has strengths in data science and complex systems, with strong ties to the Vermont Complex Systems Institute. UVM has a joint appointment agreement with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).

Anticipated Pay Range

$90,000 – $120,000

Job Location Burlington, Vermont, United States Job Open Date 11/17/2025 Job Close Date Category

Position Information

Posting Number F3537PO Department Rubenstein Sch Env & Nat Res/57000 Advertising/Posting Title David Blittersdorf Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy FLSA Exempt Position Number 00027683 Employee FTE 1.0 Employee Term (months) 9

Supplemental Questions

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Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  • Teaching Statement
  • Research Statement

Optional Documents

  • Other Document (1)