Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Environmental Engineering

University of Southern California

Position Title:
Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Full Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

School: Viterbi School of Engineering
Department: Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Location: Los Angeles, California

Job Summary

The Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering invites applications and nominations for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at any rank in the area of Environmental Engineering, with a focus on aquatic and environmental chemistry.

This position is central to advancing the department’s strategic vision, which emphasizes sustainable infrastructure, resilient water systems, and the protection of human and ecosystem health. Applicants must hold a doctorate in environmental engineering or a related field. Candidates at the Associate or Full Professor ranks should demonstrate a distinguished record of scholarship, research leadership, and professional achievement commensurate with the rank.

Research Areas of Interest

The department seeks candidates whose research advances fundamental and applied knowledge in water quality, treatment, and sustainability. Areas of particular interest include:

  • Contaminants of emerging concern in the environment, including PFAS and microplastics in engineered systems

  • Potable water reuse and related technologies for water sustainability and resilience

  • Novel approaches to assess, mitigate, or eliminate environmental contaminants

  • Effects of environmental contaminants on human and ecosystem health

Successful candidates will have opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations through:

  • USC’s Water Reuse and Resource Recovery (ReWater) Center

  • Southern California Superfund Research and Training Program for PFAS Assessment, Remediation, and Prevention (ShARP) Center

Position Availability

  • Start Date: August 16, 2026

  • Application Materials: Cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests (2 pages), statement of teaching interests (1 page), and contact information for five references

  • Full consideration: December 5, 2026

  • Contact for more information: Professor Adam Smith

University and Department Highlights

USC is a globally renowned private research (R1) university in the heart of Los Angeles, near leading technology firms, research institutions, and government agencies pioneering environmental regulations. Los Angeles is emerging as a national leader in potable water reuse, with ambitious plans to recycle 100% of its wastewater by 2035.

The Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is the beneficiary of a $17 million pledge from Sonny Astani, the largest ever bestowed on a CEE department at that time. The department has 30 tenured/tenure-track faculty, including four chaired professorships and numerous awardees. Laboratories have been recently renovated with multimillion-dollar investments to support cutting-edge research.

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering has 212 full-time, tenure-track faculty, and hosts multiple research institutes and centers. Research expenditures typically exceed $189 million annually.

Salary Range (9-month base)

  • Assistant Professor: $114,000 - $135,000

  • Associate Professor: $135,000 - $162,000

  • Professor: $173,000 - $236,000

When extending an offer, USC considers factors such as responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal equity, laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market considerations.

Equal Opportunity and Employment Policies

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering supports dual-career families and a family-friendly environment. USC is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic. USC considers applicants with criminal records in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Posting Information:

  • REQ20167895

  • Posted Date: 09/25/2025

  • Closing Date: 12/06/2025

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