"Hunter Enis Endowed Chair in Petroleum Geology"

Job Details

Application Deadline:

Open until filled. Review of applications begin October 1, 2025.

Position Details:

This full-time faculty position is on-campus and in-person.

The Department of Geological Sciences at Texas Christian University (TCU) invites applications for the Hunter Enis Endowed Chair in Petroleum Geology, an open-rank (tenure-track/tenured) faculty position. We seek an exceptional and visionary scholar whose research, teaching and thought leadership will advance subsurface geosciences and shape the future of energy and resource development.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct transformative, externally funded research: Lead pioneering research in petroleum geology and its evolving intersections with subsurface energy systems, including carbon storage, geothermal energy, hydrogen storage, and critical mineral exploration.
• Research leveraging big data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and digital subsurface modeling is preferred.
• Be expected to secure and maintain extramural funding to support their research program.
• Expand TCU’s reputation in subsurface science: Build innovative research and educational programs that address critical global challenges in energy security, resilience, and sustainability, positioning TCU as a leader in forward-thinking subsurface research.
• Enhance academic excellence: Inspire and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, preparing the next generation of geoscientists, innovators, and leaders across the evolving energy and environmental sectors.
• Help shape departmental growth and impact: Provide strategic vision and thought leadership, complementing existing departmental strengths in stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrology, paleontology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, tectonics, and reservoir characterization.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Geosciences or a closely related field.
• An internationally recognized record of excellence and peer reviewed publication in energy-related subsurface geoscience, with demonstrated integration of emerging data-driven technologies and/or sustainable subsurface applications.
• A strong record of securing and leading federally funded and other externally funded research programs.
• Demonstrated academic leadership and success in building interdisciplinary collaborations.
• A commitment to teaching excellence, mentorship, and engaging diverse student populations.

Department Details:

The Department of Geological Sciences at Texas Christian University (TCU) is committed to fostering excellence and innovation in teaching, research and community engagement. We pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic learning environment where students develop the skillsets and critical thinking needed to 1) understand how earth works and 2) leverage this understanding in solving real-world challenges in energy, water, food and climate. We offer a B.S. in Earth System Science, a B.A. and B.S. in Geology and a M.S. in Geology (thesis or non-thesis options).

Our faculty are passionate teacher-scholars, working closely with students to provide hands-on experiences in the classroom, the laboratories and the field. Field work occurs in geographically diverse regions across Texas and world, allowing students to explore the natural world while applying theory to practice. Joining the TCU Department of Geological Sciences means becoming part of a collaborative and innovative academic community.

For more information, visit our department website (https://cse.tcu.edu/geology/) or reach out to us via email (geosci@tcu.edu)

School/College Description:

The TCU College of Science & Engineering (CSE) encompasses 10 departments (Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Nutritional Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology) as well the Ranch Management Program, which offers both an undergraduate degree and a one-year certificate program. The College is also home to the Pre-Health Professions Institute, the Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development, the Institute of Behavioral Research, and the Institute for Ranch Management. The College is the second largest at TCU in terms of both undergraduate enrollment and number of majors. CSE contains a disproportionate percentage of high-achieving students, as evidenced by the fact that almost one-half of the students in the Honors College have majors in the College of Science & Engineering. Research opportunities abound for undergraduates, with 46 percent of majors engaging in a substantive experience during which they work one-on-one with their faculty mentor. The College also has five doctoral programs and 16 master’s programs as well as two graduate certificate programs. The College faculty are true teacher-scholars, for whom instruction and research are viewed as complementary activities.

University & Fort Worth Description:

ABOUT TCU

Founded in 1873, Texas Christian University sits on 302 acres nestled in a primarily residential part of Fort Worth, just minutes away from downtown. The University includes seven schools and colleges, in addition to the John V. Roach Honors College and the Burnett School of Medicine.

Currently, TCU enrolls more than 10,200 undergraduates and 1,700 graduate students. Twenty-eight percent of students self-identify as a member of a minority group, five percent are international students, and forty-five percent are from out-of-state. Our students are supported by more than 2,200 faculty and staff. The University has more than 700 full-time faculty members and is a top 100 National University as classified by US News and World Report and has a Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity.

ABOUT FORT WORTH

Like TCU, Fort Worth has the approachable, friendly charm of a smaller town, but offers the amenities, cultural activities, diversity and unique personality of a much larger city. Fort Worth, Texas, is the 13th largest city in the United States with an ever-growing population nearing 1 million. Fort Worth and TCU have grown together in a nearly 150-year relationship. You’ll find that many Horned Frogs remain here after graduation, thanks to the region’s thriving job market. Fort Worth is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and the number 1 tourist destination in Texas. In 2018, bizjournals.com ranked Fort Worth the 7th most affordable city to live and work in the United States and U.S. News and World Report named Fort Worth one of the Best Places to Live. Fort Worth, Dallas and Arlington all rank among the top 25 most diverse cities in the country.

Fort Worth is known for its vast array of cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities. The city boasts three world class art museums—the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Bass Performance Hall is one of the premier performance venues in the country. Concerts, film festivals and other events are held regularly at Sundance Square, Panther Island and Near Southside venues.

Required Application Materials & Application Instructions:

Applications should include:

• A cover letter outlining your vision for research, teaching and thought leadership at TCU, specifically addressing departmental goals in energy, sustainability, and resilience.
• A curriculum vitae detailing your academic and professional accomplishments.
• A statement of research interests and goals, including how your work aligns with the position’s focus areas.
• A statement on teaching philosophy and mentorship.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications begin October 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit application materials by October 1st but the position will remain open until filled. For inquiries, please contact hrtalentaquisition@tcu.edu.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.