Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Earth and Planetary Materials at Michigan State University

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks applications for an endowed open-rank tenure-track position in Earth and planetary materials.
Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate a record of sustained productivity through intellectual leadership in peer-reviewed publications and external grants. Responsibilities for the position include the teaching of undergraduate courses in the department as well as mentoring of graduate and postdoctoral trainees. Service is expected via the participation in committees, courses, and training activities, and participation in department, campus, and national programs, as appropriate for the career stage and rank.

Michigan State University is a large R1 university that actively promotes interdisciplinary research and offers unique resources, including the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), DOE Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), and the Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research (ICER). MSU's Earth and Environmental Sciences is a growing department on the leading edge of change in geoscience. They share a common interest in solving problems of the natural world and acknowledge the value of interdisciplinary approaches to achieve these goals. MSU's current solid Earth research directions include experimental mineralogy, geodesy, planetary science, seismology, geodynamics, igneous petrology and geochemistry. The successful applicant will complement and strengthen these research areas, and support their commitment to provide the highest caliber of instruction in a setting that promotes pure and applied research, as well as public service. MSU offer's substantial resources for graduate funding and undergraduate research to achieve these goals.

Qualifications

Outstanding candidates at any rank will be considered. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in Earth and planetary sciences, or a related field, before the position start date; a record of active research and peer-reviewed publications in topics related to Earth and planetary materials and commensurate to the candidate's career stage; and readiness to teach courses related to Earth materials, geologic processes, and/or natural resources. Preferred research areas for this position include, but are not limited to, physical and/or chemical properties of Earth and planetary materials, petrology and geochemistry, or critical minerals and resources. A record of external research funding is desired for candidates seeking a position at the Assistant Professor level, but it is required for candidates at the Associate or Full Professor level. Also preferred is the ability of the candidate to complement current departmental research and funding strengths. MSU also require that candidates demonstrate, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contributions to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Preference will be given to candidates who can broaden opportunities and experiences for students in field observation, laboratory analysis, and/or Earth and environmental careers.

Application Instructions

Application materials should include:

1. Cover letter describing the applicant's interest and qualifications for the position.
2. Curriculum vitae listing their educational background as well as research, teaching and service records, and integrated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities.
3. Research statement up to 3 pages highlighting past research accomplishments and future plans to lead and conduct independent research—this statement should include current or planned efforts to advance DEI through their research.
4. Teaching statement up to 2 pages describing the applicant's experience, qualifications to teach expected courses, and philosophy in instruction and mentoring of students, including experience teaching and mentoring students from broadly diverse demographic and social backgrounds.
5. Contact information for three references.

Applications should be submitted online at careers.msu.edu (position # 991951; https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/520677/assistantassociatefull-professor-tenure-system).

Review of applications will begin November 4, 2024, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. The anticipated start date is as early as August 2025. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Shawn Wei, search committee chair (swei@msu.edu).

MSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.