Assistant Professor of Critical Minerals Geology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-line faculty position in Critical Mineral Geology. The successful applicant will be hired at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of August 1st, 2025.

Candidates with research specializations that focus on the origin, distribution, and recovery of critical minerals including, but not limited to, hydrothermal and magmatic ore deposit genesis, low and high temperature geochemistry, mineral exploration and appraisal, and sustainable extraction of critical minerals and other non-hydrocarbon resources are encouraged to apply. Applications from candidates utilizing any combination of experimental, field-based, observational, or computational approaches in their research are welcomed. The successful applicant will develop a vigorous, externally funded research program in their discipline that includes supervision of undergraduate and graduate students. Teaching responsibilities will include developing engaging introductory courses, graduate and undergraduate classes in critical minerals and economic geology, and new course offerings in the candidate's area of expertise.

We seek to hire a geoscientist whose expertise in critical minerals complements existing strengths of the Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences, including sedimentary and structural geology, experimental petrology, trace element and isotope geochemistry, environmental science, and planetary geoscience. The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.

Qualifications. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in geoscience or related discipline at the time of the appointment. Applications from candidates who will complete their Ph.D. by the appointment date will be considered. Candidates must show the potential for excellence in research through publication and competitive support (e.g., grants, fellowships), and a record of or demonstration of potential for excellence in teaching. Preferred candidates demonstrate potential to establish collaborations within EEPS, and potentially with research units across the University and at nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to address complex societal challenges related to critical minerals, including topics related to energy, natural resources, and environmental issues.

Application Instructions. To apply, submit application materials using the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/154951, including (1) full curriculum vitae, (2) cover letter, (3) research statement, (4) teaching statement, and (5) names of 3 references with contact information. Review of applications will begin December 1st, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. In addition to addressing their qualifications for the position in their application, candidates may describe how they would help promote students' access to and inclusion in their teaching and research/scholarship/creative activities. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is an R1 institution and the flagship of the state system. As land-grant university, it values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching and service, and considers evidence of these commitments in the records of applicants. The position will remain open until filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Colin D. Sumrall (csumrall@utk.edu).