Career Center

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks applications for two endowed tenure-track open rank positions:

 1. Earth Surface Processes and Global Change:

Seeking candidates providing fundamental constraints on Earth’s environmental evolution via the geologic record—broadly defined to include rocks, ice, soils, and sediments on multiple timescales. This includes, but is not limited to, cryospheric, paleontological, oceanographic, geochemical, or climate evolution. Candidates will be expected to teach courses related to environmental processes and evolution from the geologic record.

  2. Earth Materials and Resources:

Seeking candidates studying earth materials, or earth processes related to geologic resources. Potential research areas include, but are not limited to, properties of earth materials, ores and critical minerals, or geology-based energy transition solutions. Candidates will be expected to teach courses related to earth materials, geologic processes, and natural resources.

For both positions, preference will be given to candidates whose observationally grounded research employs cutting-edge or novel approaches, and may include experimental, analytical, remote sensing, or computational methods. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in geological or earth and environmental sciences, or a related field, with publications relevant to the position of interest. Post-doctoral and applicable teaching experience are desired. We also require that candidates demonstrate, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contributions to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. These searches are aimed at the Assistant Professor level, although the positions are open rank and exceptional candidates at any level will be considered. Funding for these positions will be supplemented by the EES departmental endowment.

Research expectations include consistent productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and success with external grants. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in the candidate’s area of interest as well as graduate and postdoctoral training. Service will include participation in committees, courses, and training associated with these positions at MSU, and participation in department, campus, and national programs as appropriate. MSU is a large R-1 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).

Applications should include: (1) a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) contact information for three references; (4) a research statement highlighting past research accomplishments and future plans that frame the applicant’s ability to conduct independent research—this statement should include current or planned efforts relevant to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), (5) A teaching statement 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. Applications should be submitted online at careers.msu.edu (position 1: #903288, position 2: # 900650). Review of applications will begin 19 November 2023 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. The anticipated start date is as early as August 2024. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Anthony Kendall, search committee chair (kendal30@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.