Thompson Chair of Geological Sciences - Associate or Full Professor

Job No: 535096
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Physical/Mathematical Sciences
Department:  - LS-GEOLOGY

The Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, invites applications for the Thompson Chair of Geological Sciences, an endowed position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure to begin August 16, 2026. The successful candidate will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, mentor students for M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and conduct a dynamic, externally funded research program in an area of globally significant Earth science that is relevant to subsurface or sedimentary geology.

Opportunities for teaching and research collaborations exist across UF departments, colleges, and interdisciplinary institutes and centers including the Florida Climate Institute, UF Water Institute, School of Natural Resources and Environment, Thompson Earth Systems Institute, and Land Use and Environmental Change Institute.

The Department of Geological Sciences has world‑class analytical facilities () and exceptional computational resources through the UF Research Computing Hi Per Gator  (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

UF is the state's oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students and was ranked 7th in the country among public universities (US News and World Report 2025 rankings), and 1st among public institutions in the Wall Street Journal 2023 survey. UF is located in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North‑Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2‑hour drive to large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville).

The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year‑round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF's large college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center support a range of activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer a variety of programs including magnet schools and an international baccalaureate program.

Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

• Health Insurance: UF participates in state‑ and university‑sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long‑term disability and more.
• Retirement Options:
  Attractive options include Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.
• Leave: UF staff enjoy a generous paid leave plan as well as access to a sick‑leave pool, parental leave, and leave payouts.

A PhD is required.

Qualifications for Associate Professor candidates include demonstration of a commitment to excellence in teaching and research contributions to their discipline. Teaching effectiveness can be demonstrated in a number of ways, including peer evaluations of classroom performance; instructional materials (e.g. syllabi, exams); student evaluation; supervision of undergraduate research, honors theses, and/or University Scholars; and course and curriculum development. We expect all candidates to have served on and/or chair M.S. and Ph.D. committees.

Candidates must have established a program of research that has been published in refereed journals and/or in nationally or internationally recognized presses and society volumes. We expect a record of acquisition of major research grants and/or contracts.

Qualifications for Full Professor candidates include demonstration of a sustained commitment to excellence in teaching and research contributions to their discipline. In addition to the…