BCAS - Assistant Professor of Planetary Processes in Geological Sciences

Overview

Position Summary
The Department of Geological Sciences at The University of Alabama (UA) seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Planetary Processes.

204441 - Geological Sciences

Assistant Professor

The Department of Geological Sciences at The University of Alabama (UA) seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Planetary Processes.

The Department of Geological Sciences at The University of Alabama (UA) seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Planetary Processes. We invite applications from scholars who employ innovative, integrated strategies such as fault/fracture mechanics, remote-sensing, geologic/structural mapping, potential field analyses, and analog fieldwork to understand tectonic and deformation processes that shape rocky and/or icy planetary bodies. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, mentor graduate/undergraduate researchers, contribute to departmental/university service, and teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, based on departmental needs.

• Ph.D. in Geoscience or a closely related field and a minimum of two years of postdoctoral research experience by the appointment date.
• Evidence of research productivity commensurate with career stage.
• Ability to teach effectively at multiple levels and to contribute to core/elective courses.

• A record of scholarship in planetary processes shaping rocky and/or icy bodies (e.g., Vesta, Ceres, Mercury, Venus).
• Experience with planetary geologic mapping and remote-sensing analysis (e.g., Dawn, MESSENGER, LRO, high-resolution optical/topography datasets).
• Expertise in rock/fracture mechanics and quantitative structural analyses.
• A record of collaboration across field/lab/modeling/data-driven approaches and with planetary/terrestrial analog communities.
• Evidence of external funding potential (e.g., NASA, NSF).
• Experience with development and teaching of undergraduate or graduate courses, including geophysics, structural geology, and GIS courses.
• Experience with, and interest in, K-12 outreach activities.

Candidates must provide:

• Cover letter (1–2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research statement

The J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow. As the largest college at The University, we house over 9,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff across our 22 departments.

With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression. The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning.

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, named one of Travel + Leisure’s 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S. As one of the nation’s premier universities, UA offers bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields of study. With more than 1,400 acres of tree-lined academic core campus and over 300 state-of-the art facilities, UA has been ranked among the most beautiful and most impressive college campuses in the South, in the state of Alabama and in the nation.

In Fall 2023, UA set a new enrollment record with more than 39,000 students, including more than 8,200 in the freshman class. The current enrollment includes students from every county in Alabama, every state in the nation and 92 countries around the world. More than 1,100 National Merit Scholars are currently enrolled, making UA one of the largest enrolling institutions of the scholars in the country.

UA has received various accolades including recognition as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. students and scholars, Forbes Top Colleges recognition, Time Top 50 Best Colleges for Future Leaders, Princeton Review Top Value Colleges, and designation as a top doctoral research university by the Carnegie Classification. UA has invested heavily in campus improvements and research facilities.

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an…