Job Description

Full Time

Twenty-first century societies face enormous environmental and resource challenges.  Addressing these challenges requires understanding Earth dynamics and how geologic processes provide for, and impact, present and future societies. With this idea in mind, the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability (SEES) at the University of Iowa invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of assistant or associate professor in Solid Earth Geology. This position is a key piece of a major initiative within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to reposition academic resources around study of the Earth, environment, and sustainability. It will serve to provide core competencies in structural geology and tectonics for our degree programs, with appointment beginning in August 2027.

SEES seeks an outstanding researcher in solid Earth geology, focused on structural geology and tectonics, and preferably with a field-based emphasis. Required teaching duties will include structural geology, field courses/camp, and other courses within the applicant's area of expertise. Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates with interests in ‘hard-rock’ Earth and planetary processes, petrology, geo(thermo) chronology, geochemistry, critical minerals, and the interplay between solid earth dynamics and conditions in the surficial environment.

Successful candidates are expected to develop an active, externally funded research program, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The ideal candidate will complement current SEES strengths, support Earth and Environmental Science majors, develop collaborations both within SEES and with other programs across the University {e.g. Iowa Geological Survey (IGS), Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), Iowa Flood Center, Physics & Astronomy (PHYS), Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research (IIHR) – Hydroscience and Engineering)}, and utilize instrumentation available in the Materials Analysis-Testing-Fabrication (MATFab) facility. We seek forward-thinking colleagues to help us expand collaboration on vital areas of research and deliver exciting and relevant programs aimed at training next generation scientists.

How to Apply:

Apply online at http://jobs.uiowa.edu/.  Refer to requisition #75964. The application must include a cover letter, a CV, a statement of research interest, a statement of teaching interest, and evidence of teaching effectiveness. Names and contact information for three individuals who can serve as a recommendation are required; letters will be solicited during a secondary stage in the hiring process.

The deadline for full consideration is Sep 15th, 2026. Screening of applications will begin in early September, but the application window will remain open until the position is satisfactorily filled.

Direct questions regarding this position to Dr. David W Peate, david-peate@uiowa.edu.

About the University: Situated in vibrant Iowa City, IA, the University of Iowa is a global community of renowned artists and writers, pioneering scientists, and outstanding faculty dedicated to student success across 12 colleges, 7 professional degrees, and more than 200 areas of studies. With just over 30,000 students, the University is one of the nation’s top public research universities, a member of the Big Ten conference since 1899, and an Association of American Universities member since 1909.

The School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability is a new academic unit within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences that merges the departments of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences and Earth and Environmental Sciences, along with the Environmental Science program and the Environmental Policy and Planning program. The school has been strategically built as a core pillar of the College to grow collaborative and interdisciplinary research and increase student access to the wide range of career paths in these areas.

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

• Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Geoscience or related discipline at time of appointment.

• Demonstrated record of scholarly publications commensurate with career level in the broad areas of structural geology, tectonics, petrology, or a closely related topic.



• Demonstrated success in, or clear potential for, obtaining external funding (e.g., NSF, DoE, NASA, USGS, or equivalent).



• Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to teach effectively across undergraduate levels, from introductory to upper-division courses, and from broad general topics to focused research areas, including Structural Geology and field courses/camp.



• Commitment to field-based education and mentoring students.



• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and a collegial approach to collaboration.

• Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in structural geology, tectonics, petrology, or related disciplines. Exceptional Ph.D. candidates with a compelling research record and demonstrated teaching readiness will be considered at the committee’s discretion.



• Experience of mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers, especially in field environments, commensurate with career level.



• Experience teaching structural geology and tectonics courses.



• Expertise complementary to existing SEES strengths in planetary geology, basin analysis, petrology, remote sensing, hydrogeology, or geomorphology.



• Record of student-centered teaching / mentoring and commitment to broadening participation.



• Expertise to develop collaborations with other programs across the University (e.g., Iowa Geological Survey (IGS), Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), Iowa Flood Center, IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering).

Curriculum Vitae
Name and Contact Information of References
Cover Letter
Statement of Research Interest
Statement of Teaching Interest/Effectiveness

Number of References:3

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.

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