Job Description

The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Missouri invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the broad area of Solid Earth Geophysics. Potential areas of research interest could include, but are not limited to, seismology, geomagnetism, tectonophysics, geodesy, geodynamics, planetary geology, and shallow geophysics (e.g., critical zone). Applicants using modern observational techniques and/or computational methods (e.g., machine learning or artificial intelligence, geospatial statistics) are encouraged. This position has an anticipated Fall 2025 start. A Ph.D. in geophysics or a related area is required. The successful candidate will be expected to teach across the curriculum, including introductory geophysics and courses within their expertise, and to build an externally funded research program that complements the department’s existing strengths in tectonics, petrology/geochemistry, and paleobiology. Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to conduct independent research and effectively teach students across the curriculum at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Information about our department and our undergraduate and graduate curricula can be found at https://geology.missouri.edu/.

Our department occupies a building dedicated to Geological Sciences and houses numerous analytical facilities [https://geology.missouri.edu/research-facilities] including a new X-ray Tomographic and Scanning Electron Microscopy laboratory [https://research.missouri.edu/x-ray-microanalysis/]. Faculty have access to a newly updated storage and computing system on campus that includes a high-power computing cluster with 14,000-CPU. A wide variety of other research instrumentation is available elsewhere on campus, including at the Research Reactor [https://www.murr.missouri.edu/], the Materials Science and Engineering Institute [https://msei.missouri.edu/] the NextGen Center [https://precisionhealth.missouri.edu/], and at other research core facilities [https://research.missouri.edu/cores].

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: A Ph.D. in geophysics or related field by the time of appointment.

Application Materials

Use the online application to upload (i) a letter of application that describes your teaching and research experience; (ii) a curriculum vitae; (iii) a statement describing research and teaching interests and a plan for attracting students, including students from demographic groups who traditionally have been underrepresented in the geological sciences; (iv) a rank-ordered list of five potential referees. We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate. In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Applicants may contact Dr. Martin Appold, the Chair of the Search Committee (appoldm@missouri.edu), with questions about the job duties. Please contact Andrew Longley (Andrew.longley@umsystem.edu) with any questions about the application process. Review of application materials will begin January 6, 2025. To ensure full consideration, applications should be complete by this date. The position will remain open until filled.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits. 

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.