Job Description Summary
The Department of Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS) at Bentley University invites applications for a Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor Position in Sustainability Science and Innovation, to begin July 1, 2025. We define sustainability science broadly to include areas in energy, natural resources, the built environment, environmental science, sustainable product design, the circular economy, and natural, applied, and industrial ecology, among others.
We are seeking a dynamic scholar to bridge the gap between sustainability science and its practical applications in the business world. The ideal candidate will be a mid-career professional who will help shape and support our growing programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional education at the intersection of business and sustainability. The candidate should have existing industrial and/or NGO external partnersand would be encouraged to maintain and further develop such partnerships. We seek an engaged colleague committed to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration and leadership within the NAS department and the university. The candidate will be expected to teach courses in our undergraduate Sustainability Science major and in graduate programs, and to contribute to our executive and professional education offerings. The teaching load for this position will be five courses per year after an initial phase-in period.
NAS is at the forefront of driving innovation and shaping the future through our three key areas of emphasis: Sustainability Science, Health Industries, and Psychology. Our cutting-edge programs provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between science, technology and society.This position also aligns with the growing focus on innovation outside the NAS department as well. Bentley University is making significant investments, as part of its strategic plan, in the areas of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The ideal candidate would be strongly encouraged to drive innovation internally and contribute their experience and leadership to these efforts.
Bentley University is committed to the teacher-scholar model, where teaching, scholarship, service, and community engagement are expected and valued. We seek qualified faculty who represent diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents and share a commitment to high ethical standards and a willingness to embrace challenge and change.
Teaching Responsibilities:
The primary teaching focus will be developing and delivering courses that emphasize the science of sustainability and how it interfaces with the business environment. Courses will primarily target undergraduate students, with potential opportunities to contribute to graduate and executive education programs. Teaching responsibilities include:
Designing and teaching courses on core sustainability science topics, such as:ecological systems, conservation science, climate science, renewable energy, water management, and sustainable agriculture
Developing courses that apply sustainability science to business, exploring topics such as: sustainability strategies, life cycle analysis, quantitative methods for sustainability assessment, and science-based emissions reduction targets
Creating interdisciplinary courses that integrate sustainability science with business principles, potentially covering areas like:the circular economy, environmental risk assessment for business, sustainable materials, the low-carbon economy, and green technology innovation
The successful candidate will mentor students and supervise research projects that apply scientific methods to sustainability challenges in business settings. They will also contribute to curriculum development, ensuring a strong scientific foundation in sustainability education across the department and its interface with business-related programs.
Innovative teaching methods and pedagogies are expected, including the use of case studies, fieldwork, and industry collaborations to combine scientific rigor with practical applications.
A key aspect of this position is fostering strong connections between sustainability science and the business community. The successful candidate will:
Research Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will establish and maintain acomplementary research program at the intersection of sustainability science and business. Pedagogical research is a valued part of the research portfolio.
Responsibilities include:
The Department of Natural and Applied Sciences at Bentley University offers interdisciplinary courses that span sustainability, business, and the natural sciences. We aim to provide students with the scientific knowledge and practical tools needed to address real-world challenges at the intersection of environmental sustainability and business strategy. Our faculty are committed to integrating scientific rigor with business applications, making Bentley a leader in sustainability education.
For more information about the department and its faculty, please visit https://www.bentley.edu/academics/departments/natural-and-applied-sciences.
About Bentley University and the Area
Bentley University, located in suburban Boston, is an AACSB and NECHE-accredited institution that enrolls approximately 5,500 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Bentley consistently ranks at the top in several categories by U.S. News & World Report, including Best Regional Universities North and Most Innovative Schools, with Bloomberg ranking Bentley in the top 20 undergraduate business programs.
Bentley’s high graduation and retention rates and top-ranked Pulsifer Career Center reflect its commitment to student success and inclusiveness. With a strong faculty of teacher-scholars, Bentley strives to be a “Force for Good” by integrating business with the arts and sciences, with a strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility. Bentley supports its faculty as they pursue cutting-edge research and bring their expertise into the classroom.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Sustainability Science, Environmental Science, or an allied field. They should have a strong foundation in the natural sciences underlying sustainability, along with demonstrated interest or experience in applying this knowledge to business contexts. A record of research and disseminationcommensurate with career path is expected.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, candidates must submit the following as part of the application before December 15, 2025:
Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.
Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
