Assistant​/Associate Professor in Analytical Geochemistry, Fall

Overview

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.

• Develop a highly published and externally funded research program in analytical geochemistry, including isotopes and trace elements, and supervise undergraduate and graduate students, and laboratory technical staff.
• Provide primary oversight of a newly established ICP-MS laboratory facility, including new multi-collector and quadrupole ICP-MS instruments (Thermo Fisher Neoma and iCAP TQ) and a laser ablation system (ESI NWR
  193).
• Perform rank-appropriate departmental and university service and teach introductory courses as well as undergraduate courses and graduate courses in the candidate's specialization.
• Contribute to departmental strengths in planetary geoscience, cosmochemistry, igneous petrology, structural geology, economic geology, earth history, environmental science, and hydrology.

The University is beginning a next-level initiative aimed at 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 teaching laboratories and recreation destinations. East Tennessee has waterways and parks. The city offers diverse living settings.

Required:

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in geoscience or a related discipline by the time of appointment. Candidates for Associate Professor must have a background consistent with tenure in EEPS. The successful candidate must have a 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.

• Candidates should demonstrate a record of achievement or potential for excellence commensurate with the rank.
• Post-Ph.D. research experience is beneficial.
• Research themes centered on isotopic geochemistry and/or analytical geochemistry (mass spectrometry) are desired. Achievement will be assessed by publication productivity, presentations, and success obtaining competitive funding.
• Candidates for Assistant Professor must demonstrate potential for success in these areas; candidates for Associate Professor must have an established record of peer-reviewed publication and competitive funding.
• Excellence in teaching demonstrated through prior formal or informal teaching and outreach; mentoring of students; teaching experience as an instructor of record; and service participation will be beneficial.
• Preference given to candidates with experience operating the established ICP-MS instruments and/or managing a geochemistry analytical facility.

To apply, please submit: (1) cover letter articulating interest and qualifications, (2) full curriculum vitae, (3) no more than two-page statement describing research experience, interests, and plans, (4) no more than two-page statement describing teaching experience, interests, and plans, and (5) names and contact information for at least three professional references via  In addition, candidates may describe how they would promote students  access to and engagement in their teaching and research/scholarship/creative activities.

Formal review of applications will begin on March 2, 2026 and remain open until filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Molly McCanta (mmccanta).

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirms that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN , by email to eoa, or by phone at . Inquiries and charges of violations should be directed to the Office of Investigation and…