Assistant Professor - Geology

geochemistry) and earth structures (e.g., structural geology and tectonics). The ideal candidate is a broadly trained geoscientist with field and laboratory experience who is passionate about student-centered teaching and mentoring. Experience leading field courses and engaging undergraduate students in research is highly desirable. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. Opportunities exist for optional summer employment through teaching, research grants, capstone experience supervision and other funding sources.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and teach classes in Bedrock Geology, Earth Materials (mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry), and Earth Structures & Tectonics.
• Develop innovative, student-centered courses and experiences that engage learners; regularly assess and revise curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the Geology/Earth and Environmental Sciences program and create meaningful connections with soil science, environmental science, chemistry, biology, engineering, and related disciplines.
• Teach general education and introductory courses such as Earth & Environmental Systems, Geological Destinies of Nations, Environmental Geology, Oceanography, and other courses as needed by the department. Develop and teach upper-level elective courses aligned with the candidate's expertise and program needs (e.g. planetary geology, economic geology, or geophysics.
• Organize and lead domestic regional and international field courses, typically lasting 7-14 days in collaboration with program faculty.
• Help maintain and oversee the department's rock saw and thin-section preparation laboratory, petrographic microscopes, and extensive mineral and rock collections used for teaching and research.
• Engage in scholarly activities consistent with university and department expectations, including disciplinary research, applied scholarship, undergraduate research mentoring, and the scholarship of teaching and learning; contribute to UW–River Falls' commitment to excellence and leadership in undergraduate research.
• Advise undergraduate students and facilitate independent studies, internships, capstone projects, and other high-impact learning experiences.
• Participate in university service and shared governance at the department, college, and university levels. Contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Geology program within the broader Earth and Environmental Sciences curriculum.
• Actively participate in Geology/Earth & Environmental Sciences program recruitment, outreach, alumni engagement, and donor-supported initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Geology, Earth Science, or a related field. Applicants who have finished coursework and are still working on degree requirements may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their program within one year of the date of employment.
• Field and/or laboratory training and experience in earth materials and structural geology and tectonics, as demonstrated through scholarly activities such as professional presentations, publications, research projects, or related academic accomplishments.
• Strong interest and commitment to undergraduate education and teaching; demonstrated desire, ability, and willingness to develop and improve curriculum, courses, and teaching.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented successful undergraduate geoscience teaching, teaching assistantships, or formal training for teaching in higher education.
• Experience with advising, mentoring, or supervising undergraduate students.
• Professional or industry experience and/or connections.
• Experience teaching or participating in field courses/camps.
• Experience with rock saws, thin-section preparation, and other geologic field & lab equipment. Strong interest and/or experience in connecting their expertise/field to other disciplines.

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
• A two-part statement, not to exceed 3 pages, describing vision and priorities for teaching and research at a predominantly undergraduate institution
• Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your teaching ability, experience and professional preparation (references)

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Holly Dolliver
Associate Dean and Search Chair
holly.dolliver@uwrf.edu

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before September 4, 2026. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.