"Assistant Professor in Critical Zone Geoscience"

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

The successful candidate is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research and teaching program in the broad field of critical zone geoscience focused on the scientific principles and practices for identifying, characterizing, and quantifying fundamental processes in the CZ. We are seeking candidates with interest in multidisciplinary research across the Critical Zone (bedrock, soil, water, biota). Potential areas of research applied to CZ processes include, but are not limited to, geomorphology, sedimentology, water and soil science, geobiology, geochemistry, and biogeochemistry. Candidates who apply field, laboratory, experimental, and/or modeling techniques are welcome to apply. The selected candidate will effectively teach courses about CZ geoscience at all levels, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and perform rank-appropriate departmental and university service.

The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences has complementary and expanding expertise in geology and environmental research with a range of analytical facilities. There is strong potential to develop collaborations within UTK, such as through the Institute for Climate and Community Resilience, the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment, the Institute of Agriculture, as well as several environmental- and bioeconomic-focused programs at the nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

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.

Qualifications: Required: Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in geoscience or related discipline by the time of appointment. Preferred: Candidates should demonstrate the potential for excellence in research through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations, and/or competitive support (e.g., grants, fellowships, contracts), and for potential excellence in teaching as demonstrated through a record of prior formal or informal teaching and outreach. UTK is a land-grant university that values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching, and service. We consider evidence of all three of these commitments in the records of applicants.

Application Instructions: To apply, please submit: (1) cover letter articulating the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for this position, (2) full curriculum vitae, (3) no more than two-page statement that describes research experience, interests, and plans, (4) no more than two-page statement that describes teaching experience, interests, and plans, and (5) names and contact information for at least three professional references via https://apply.interfolio.com/172815. In addition to addressing qualifications for the position, candidates may describe how they would help promote students’ access to and engagement in their teaching and research/scholarship/creative activities. Formal review of Applications will begin on 1 November 2025 and remain open until filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Dan Hembree (dhembre2@utk.edu).