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 a full-time, tenure-line appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, preferably beginning on 1 August 2026.

Location:

UTK

Open Date:
Jan 20, 2026

The selected candidate will develop a highly published and externally funded research program in analytical geochemistry, including isotopes and trace elements, with supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and laboratory technical staff. The candidate will 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) housed in the Department. The candidate is also expected to perform rank-appropriate departmental and university service and teach introductory courses as well as undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate's specialization. The department seeks a geoscientist whose expertise complements existing strengths in planetary geoscience, cosmochemistry, igneous petrology, structural geology, economic geology, earth history, environmental science, and hydrology.

Knoxville offers access to diverse natural teaching laboratories and recreational destinations, with a city that blends urban and rural living settings.

• Develop and lead a highly published, 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 the ICP-MS laboratory facility and its instruments.
• Maintain and operate multi-collector and quadrupole ICP-MS instruments and a laser ablation system.
• Perform rank-appropriate departmental and university service.
• Teach introductory courses, undergraduate courses, and graduate courses in the candidate’s specialization.
• Collaborate with existing department strengths in planetary geoscience, cosmochemistry, igneous petrology, structural geology, economic geology, earth history, environmental science, and hydrology.

• 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. Demonstrated ability to run and maintain multi-collector and quadrupole ICP-MS instruments, a laser-ablation system, and a laboratory generating precise geochemical and isotopic data.
• Preferred
  :
  Record of achievement or potential for excellence commensurate with the rank. Post-Ph.D. research experience is beneficial. Research themes in isotopic geochemistry and/or analytical geochemistry (mass spectrometry) are desired. For Assistant Professor, potential for success; for Associate Professor, 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 instructor of record, and participation in service are beneficial.
  
  Preference given to candidates with experience operating the established ICP-MS instruments and/or managing a geochemistry analytical facility.

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

Formal review of applications will begin on March 2, 2026 and remain open until filled. For questions, contact 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, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. UTK 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, eoa, or . Inquiries about Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the ADA, the Age Discrimination Act, sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution at investigations or .