Job description
The School of Professional Studies (SPS) at Columbia University invites applications for a full-time position at the rank of Lecturer in Discipline or Senior Lecturer in Discipline to serve as core faculty in the new Master of Science in Biodiversity Data Analytics program. This position will begin on July 1, 2026. This is a full-time appointment with a multi-year renewal contingent on a successful review.
The MS in Biodiversity Data Analytics prepares professionals to apply advanced data analytics and systems thinking to biodiversity conservation, environmental management, and nature-related decision-making across policy, finance, conservation, and industry. The program integrates ecological science with geospatial analysis, statistical modeling, and applied analytics and is delivered fully online.
We seek dynamic educator-practitioners and scholar-practitioners with the ability to advance the program’s academic and professional mission; interpret and translate ecological and analytical theory into practice; and provide leadership and instruction across core and elective coursework. The successful candidate will bring graduate training in environmental science, biology, ecology, or closely related fields, along with demonstrated experience applying data analysis to real-world environmental challenges.
The successful candidate will teach required and elective courses in the Biodiversity Data Analytics curriculum, which may include Ecological Data Analysis, Advanced Biodiversity Data Analysis I and II, Landscape Analysis, and Capstone instruction. Teaching will take place in fully online modalities, including synchronous and asynchronous formats.
In addition to teaching, this role includes active participation in curriculum development, instructional design, and ongoing program evaluation. The candidate should also contribute to the growth, launch, and long-term academic direction of this newly established program. The faculty member will collaborate closely with SPS stakeholders and with colleagues in Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology (E3B), including teaching courses for and advising E3B students as appropriate.
Additional responsibilities include academic advising and mentorship of graduate students; leadership of applied research and project-based learning initiatives that connect students with real-world biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability challenges; participation in admissions, recruitment, and student engagement activities; contribution to faculty recruitment, development, and evaluation; expansion of the program’s professional network and reputation; support of partnerships with external organizations; and service on SPS and University-wide committees.
While the program is delivered fully online, SPS faculty are expected to reside within commuting distance of Columbia’s New York City campus and to participate in on-campus activities as needed for program meetings, special events, and other academic responsibilities.
Qualifications
A graduate degree (Doctoral) in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred, particularly where quantitative methods are applied to ecological systems. All applicants must have a BA/BS.
Lecturers in Discipline are expected to have teaching experience, documented evidence of pedagogical excellence, and evidence of professional growth and activity in the given field. Experience leading the development or launch of graduate programs, certificates, or interdisciplinary curricula is highly valued.
Senior Lecturers in Discipline are expected to have substantial experience and accomplishments, a superlative teaching record, and documented evidence of pedagogical excellence in carrying out administrative or other department responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will:
- Bring substantial professional experience (generally 5–10+ years) in biodiversity analytics, conservation science, sustainability, or environmental data fields.
- Demonstrate expertise with quantitative and computational tools (e.g., R, Python, GIS, remote sensing, and/or machine learning) applied to ecological or environmental contexts.
- Have a record of applied research, professional practice, or engaged scholarship, including experience mentoring students on applied or consulting-style projects.
- Demonstrate excellence in teaching, including experience in professional or graduate programs and effectiveness in online learning environments.
- Have experience leading academic or applied programs, research initiatives, or interdisciplinary collaborations across domains such as ecology, policy, finance, and analytics.
- Familiarity with Columbia University’s academic environment, online instructional infrastructure, or interdisciplinary professional programs is a plus.
How to apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
All applications must be made through Columbia University’s Academic Search and Recruiting (ASR) system. Please upload the following materials:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- 3 letters of Recommendation (solicited from a list of references provided)
- Student Evaluations of Teaching (optional)
- Publication(s) (optional)
Questions or concerns about this position should be directed to Jamie Douglas, Senior Director of Faculty Recruitment, at [email protected].
Columbia’s Distinction
Columbia University was ranked #2 on Forbes’ 2025–2026 America’s Top Colleges list, a recognition driven by alumni success, graduation and retention rates, return on investment, and leadership impact. This ranking reflects what SPS values most: preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong contributions to their communities. Our practitioner-oriented faculty play a vital role in this mission, bringing real-world expertise to the classroom and helping students translate theory into impact. Situated in the heart of New York City, Columbia offers a dynamic environment and a global alumni network that amplifies the reach of every educator’s work.
Pay Transparency Disclosure
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
