The Department of Geosciences and the Ecology Center at Utah State University (USU), Logan, invites applications for an academic-year (9-month), tenure-track Assistant Professor position in interdisciplinary Critical Zone Geosciences, anticipated to begin August 2024. We seek candidates who conduct innovative, interdisciplinary, and quantitative investigation of critical zone (CZ) processes using field, laboratory, experimental, and/or computational methods to address issues of societal importance. Disciplinary expertise may include but is not limited to understanding CZ processes involved in soil production from bedrock, ecological impacts of mineral dust, geomicrobiology, carbon cycling and sequestration, pathways of water, responses to climate change and human impacts, and at the intersections between these areas.

The position involves academic research (50%), teaching (40%) graduate and undergraduate courses, advising/mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and service (10%) to the academic community. The position includes a 25% appointment in USU’s Ecology Center, which enhances opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers across colleges at USU. Successful candidates will demonstrate outstanding potential for excellence in research and scholarly leadership through development of a dynamic, externally funded research program. Candidates are expected to contribute to our core undergraduate and graduate curriculum in geosciences. We are especially interested in candidates committed to advancing access and opportunity in the geosciences.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. By the start date, candidates must have a Ph.D. in the Geosciences or a closely related field.
2. Evidence of established or emerging research streams with publication and funding potential

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Postdoctoral experience
2. Record of success or potential in teaching and mentoring
3. Evidence for commitment to advancing equal opportunity and pathways for inclusion in the geoscience community

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Curriculum vitae to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Names and contact information for three references
3. Documents below to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
   • Cover letter
   • Statement of research experience, interests and vision, including broader impacts (how your research positively impacts broader society, marginalized communities, etc.)
   • Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy, experiences, and interests, including strategies for providing equal opportunity in learning
   • One representative publication

Review of applications will begin October 15, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact:

Dr. Tammy M. Rittenour

Search Committee Chair email: tammy.rittenour@usu.edu

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

The Department of Geosciences is a vibrant and growing Earth science program with 15 faculty, three lecturers, two research lab managers, and which regularly hosts postdoctoral researchers and visiting scientists (https://geo.usu.edu/). The department offers dissertation/thesis-based PhD and MSc degrees, as well as a professional Master’s option. Research resources include a new rock deformation and fault mechanics lab; laboratories for luminescence dating, light stable isotope, ICP-MS, and X-ray analyses; a microscopy lab with a Raman spectrometer, petrographic and stereoscopes; mineral separation facilities; a field-emission scanning electron microscope, and a microCT scanner. Furthermore, our department developed the Jones Fund for Research in summer of 2023, setting an exciting trajectory for our research infrastructure.

Earth science research at USU is enhanced by collaborative opportunities through the multidisciplinary Ecology Center. Other USU departments with high collaborative potential are Civil and Environmental Engineering; Biology; Watershed Sciences; Plants, Soils, and Climate; Wildland Resources; Environment and Society; and Mathematics and Statistics.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov