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Geography Professor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The project is led by Junghwan Kim, PhD, MUP, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at Virginia Tech and Director of Smart Cities for Good. Dr. Kim has published more than 45 peer ...

Geography Professor information

What is the difference between Geography Professor vs Geography Teacher?

AspectGeography ProfessorGeography Teacher
Required CredentialsDoctorate or Master’s degree in Geography or related fieldBachelor’s degree or teaching certification in Geography
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, research settingsHigh schools, middle schools, or community education programs
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academic researchSecondary education institutions, public or private schools
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic career, research opportunitiesClassroom teaching, student engagement

While both Geography Professors and Geography Teachers work in educational settings related to geography, Professors typically hold advanced degrees and teach at the college level, focusing on research and higher education. Teachers usually have a bachelor's degree and teaching certification, working in primary or secondary schools to instruct students directly. The roles differ mainly in educational level, credentials, and work environment, but both contribute to geography education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geography professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geography Professor, you need an advanced degree in geography or a related field, a strong research background, and expertise in both physical and human geography. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical software, and academic publishing platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills help engage students and foster a collaborative learning environment. These competencies ensure effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to the academic community.

What does a geography professor do?

A Geography Professor teaches courses related to physical and human geography at the college or university level. They develop curricula, deliver lectures, guide student research, and often conduct their own academic research in various areas of geography. In addition to teaching, they may publish scholarly articles, attend conferences, and contribute to their academic community through service roles. Geography Professors help students understand topics like climate, landforms, population, and the relationship between humans and their environment. Their work often combines classroom instruction with practical fieldwork and analysis.

What are some common challenges geography professors face when balancing research and teaching responsibilities?

Geography Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including designing and delivering engaging lectures, mentoring students, and conducting original research. One common challenge is finding time to pursue research projects and secure funding while meeting teaching obligations and departmental service commitments. Effective time management and collaboration with colleagues can help, but it’s important to set realistic goals and communicate openly with department leadership about workload. Universities typically offer support through research grants, teaching assistants, and sabbaticals to help manage these demands.

What does a geography professor do?

As a geography professor, your job is to teach geography classes at a college or university. In this role, you may help students learn more about the different types of geography within the country, help write a curriculum, and adjust lesson plans based on the unique learning needs of each student. Geography professors often participate in school activities and events, and you may personally oversee the education of graduate students or the daily work of assistant professors. You may also perform research when not teaching classes. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this job sometimes involves writing books, recording videos, or providing input for news companies looking for expert explanations of recent geographic events.

Infographic showing various Geography Professor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Research Associate in Environmental Sciences

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

207th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The EHCR Group invites applicants for a postdoctoral research associate under the supervision of Professor Huilin Huang . The EHCR Group in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia aims to improve understanding of climate-related hazards (wildfire, drought, flood) and their impacts on natural environments and human communities using remote sensing, Earth system modeling, and machine learning. The research associate is expected to conduct research on human-fires interactions in built environment.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A PhD in atmospheric science, geography, environmental science, computer science, or a related discipline is required by the start date. Candidates should have strong Python and geospatial-data analysis experience, demonstrated independent research ability, and excellent communication skills.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for R0077248.
• A ttach a 1-page cover letter listing your research interests and experience
• CV/resume
• 2 representative publications
• Contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).
Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on October 20, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional two, one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions regarding this position, contact Huilin Huang, Assistant Professor, at huilin.huang@virginia.edu .
For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .
For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
Job Profile
J0267 - Research Associate - 12 Month
Career Stream and Level
No Career Stream-No Level
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819