Assistant​/Associate Professor in Analytical Geochemistry, Fall

Overview

Assistant/Associate Professor in Analytical Geochemistry, Fall 2026

Location: UTK

Open Date: Jan 20, 2026

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for a faculty position in Analytical Geochemistry. The position is for a full-time, tenure-line appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level that will preferably begin on 1 August 2026.

The selected candidate will develop a highly published and externally funded research program in analytical geochemistry, including isotopes and trace elements, and that includes supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, and laboratory technical staff. The candidate will provide primary oversight of a newly established ICP-MS laboratory facility, which includes new multi-collector and quadrupole ICP-MS instruments (Thermo Fisher Neoma and iCAP TQ) and a laser ablation system (ESI NWR
193) housed in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. The candidate is additionally expected to perform rank-appropriate departmental and university service and teach introductory courses as well as undergraduate courses and graduate courses in the candidate s specialization. We seek to hire a geoscientist whose expertise complements existing strengths of the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, including planetary geoscience, cosmochemistry, igneous petrology, structural geology, economic geology, earth history, environmental science, and hydrology.

The University is beginning a next-level initiative aimed both at substantially elevating the University’s national reputation for impactful research, scholarship, and creative activity and at assembling a roster of faculty committed to delivering one of the nation s best educational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.

Knoxville is in the foothills of the Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains, with outstanding natural teaching laboratories and recreation destinations. In addition to mountains, East Tennessee has abundant inland waterways and pristine state and national parks. Knoxville is a thriving city filled with indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, restaurants, shops, and cultural offerings. The city has a blend of convenient urban and rural living settings.

• Develop a highly published and externally funded research program in analytical geochemistry (including isotopes and trace elements).
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students and laboratory technical staff.
• Provide primary oversight of a newly established ICP-MS laboratory facility (multi-collector and quadrupole ICP-MS instruments and a laser ablation system).
• Maintain and generate precise geochemical and isotopic data with the laboratory facilities.
• Teach introductory, undergraduate, and graduate courses in the candidate s specialization.
• Perform rank-appropriate departmental and university service.
• Contribute to the Department s mission by aligning with existing strengths and collaborative opportunities.

Required
:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in geoscience or a related discipline by the time of appointment.
• For Associate Professor, a background consistent with tenure in EEPS.
• Record of publications in geochemistry and the capability to run and maintain multi-collector and quadrupole ICP-MS instruments, a laser-ablation system, and a laboratory that generates precise geochemical and isotopic data.

Preferred
:

• Record of achievement or potential for excellence commensurate with the rank (Assistant vs. Associate Professor).
• Post-Ph.D. research experience is beneficial.
• Research themes centered on isotopic geochemistry and/or analytical geochemistry (mass spectrometry) are desired.
• Excellence in teaching demonstrated through prior formal or informal teaching and outreach; mentoring of students; experience as instructor of record; and service experience.
• Experience operating the established ICP-MS instruments and/or managing a geochemistry analytical facility is preferred.

To apply, please submit: (1) cover letter articulating the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for this…