Paul Tudor Jones Jefferson Scholars Foundation Distinguished University Professor of Climate and the Environment

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia is searching for a leading scholar to fill a University Professorship in Climate and Environment. The position will be housed within the Department of Environmental Sciences and will be affiliated with the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. This is an appointment at the endowed Full Professor rank in the natural sciences. The University Professors are the highest rank of scholars at the University of Virginia, with distinguished research portfolios and reputations.

We are seeking applicants with a Ph.D in Environmental Science or a related field, have a strong record of publication, an innovative research program, and a track record or potential for excellence in teaching and mentorship of students. The Paul Tudor Jones Jefferson Scholars Foundation University Professorship in Climate and the Environment, while having a faculty appointment in the Department of Environmental Sciences, will also be expected to be an active participant in the Jefferson Scholars Foundation and to work collaboratively among a set of programs at the University of Virginia. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation is dedicated to building a community of leaders, scholars and citizens at the University of Virginia. Chairholders are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and to participate actively in the Foundation’s community by serving on Foundation selection committees, attending Foundation events, and helping the Foundation recruit Scholars and Fellows.

The successful candidate will have expertise within the area of Climate and Environmental Sciences. The University of Virginia formed the first Environmental Sciences Department in the country in 1970 and has distinct strengths in Atmospheric Science, Hydrology, Ecology, and Geosciences. The teaching portfolio will contribute to the mission of the department and university at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Preference is given to a researcher who integrates climate systems with these or other subdisciplines in the Environmental Sciences. 

The successful candidate is expected to be a leading figure in Climate and Environment globally and will substantially contribute to expanding the reputation of the University of Virginia as a leading institution in this area. Scholarship should include contributions to fundamental and applied research and can promote translation that will support partnerships with diverse stakeholders such as governmental and non-governmental organizations, industry and communities focused on climate prediction, impacts and adaptation. 

John Isaacson is leading this search with Kennedy Kearney and Mindy Cimini.

Inquiries, nominations and application materials should be submitted electronically below.

To apply, please submit the following: 

1. Cover letter of interest that includes a summary of your research plans, your teaching interests and experience, and how your skills and experience could advance the University’s ambition to cultivate the most vibrant community in higher education in order to prepare students to be leaders in a diverse and globally connected world. (3-page single spaced maximum)
2. CV
3. A statement of teaching philosophy (1-page single spaced maximum)
4. Contact information for three references

We encourage submitting application materials as PDF documents electronically below. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates. Review of applications is expected to begin on January 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be received by January 15, 2026. UVA will only consider complete applications. The university will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu