Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences (T/TE)

The Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences (HAS) at the University of Arizona (UA) invites applications for an open-rank, tenure-track faculty position in Radar Meteorology (broadly defined) to begin August 2026. Besides candidates for assistant professorship, exceptional candidates will also be considered at the Associate or Full professor level. We seek areas of research and teaching that contribute to the advancement of process-level understanding of storm systems (e.g., mesoscale convective systems, monsoon convection, atmospheric rivers) and extreme weather, combining observations (particularly radar), modeling, and analysis. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to: ground-based measurements using radars and other instruments, connection of these measurements to spaceborne measurements, kilometer-scale modeling of storm systems and extreme weather, and innovative use of AI/ML for observational data analysis and modeling.

The distribution of effort will normally be 40% Research, 40% Teaching, and 20% Service.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Research Focus: The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an externally funded and internationally recognized research program that integrates ground-based and spaceborne atmospheric observations with modeling and analysis across scales. The atmospheric science program is ranked as one of the top 50 programs in the world, and its founding faculty member (Louis J. Battan) authored the first book "Radar Meteorology" (and the American Meteorological Society names two Authors' Awards after Battan for K-12 and adults respectively). The UA offers a rich environment for interdisciplinary collaboration, providing the candidate with extensive opportunities to engage with world-class atmospheric sciences and hydrology faculty within HAS (e.g., on hydrometeorology), faculty in electrical engineering (e.g., on advanced radar technology for potential satellite missions), Chemical & Environmental Engineering (e.g., on aerosols and remote sensing), Geosciences (e.g., on Earth system science), Environmental Sciences, Geography, and Natural Resources (e.g., on applied research), and Planetary Sciences and Optical Sciences (e.g., on remote sensing). In addition to these academic collaborations, the candidate will have the opportunity to participate in our institution's renowned applied and engaged research approach. This includes working closely with local communities and industries (e.g., growers, mining, water and electricity providers) to co-create weather- and water-related solutions. The position offers a unique chance to contribute to impactful, real-world research that addresses pressing weather, water, energy, and food production challenges in Arizona and beyond.

Teaching & Service: Successful candidates will be expected to participate in the teaching and service missions of the department. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong communication, teaching, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to actively contribute to our vibrant department. A strong commitment to graduate and undergraduate teaching and advising is essential, as the supervision of students and academic advising of trainees at all levels is expected. The appointee will teach a mix of graduate and undergraduate courses as well as general education courses for non-science majors. Ideal candidates will be able to offer a radar meteorology course (e.g., covering both weather and basic radar knowledge for students in atmospheric sciences, electrical engineering, and others) and/or an atmospheric and surface measurements course, and teach mesoscale modeling course. The new hire with an interest in monsoon and extreme weather events will also enable our program to directly serve the local community, the state, and the Southwest; e.g., by building on existing efforts in the department toward communicating the relevance of atmospheric sciences to real-time events (such as public-facing monsoon forecast discussions, outreach to local and national media).

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain an externally funded and internationally recognized research program that integrates ground-based and spaceborne atmospheric observations with modeling and analysis across scales
• Develop collaborations with pertinent faculty at UA and partner institutions
• Contribute to the teaching and service missions of the Department
• Engage in external academic and professional activities.

• PhD in related field prior to date of hire

• Demonstrated scholarly accomplishment in research
  
• Demonstrated success in seeking and obtaining extramural funding
  
• Teaching experience
  
• Demonstrated experience in service and leadership
  
• Experience in ground-based radar and other instruments (e.g., technology, extensive use of these data in research)
  
• The expected qualifications vary, depending on the level of appointment (i.e., Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor)

1. Cover letter
   
2. Curriculum vitae (not to exceed 6 pages)
   
3. Statement of research & teaching interests (not to exceed 5 pages). Include an explanation of how your strengths and interests would complement those of our existing faculty and why you think the University of Arizona would offer you unique opportunities for success.
   
4. Provide the names and contact information of three (3) or more references at your current rank or above, and the nature of your work with them.

Review of the applications will begin in late February 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Contact: Prof. Xubin Zeng (Search Committee Chair; xubin@arizona.edu)