The Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech (https://geos.vt.edu) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Energy Transition Geoscience, an area of emerging strength and anticipated growth in our department. The position interfaces with a College of Science-wide effort to increase the University’s presence in the energy field, for example with additional positions this year in the Department of Chemistry. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, energy transition resources, such as critical minerals and geologic hydrogen, geothermal and nuclear energy, carbon management, subsurface energy storage, and environmental impacts of the energy transition.
The successful candidate will establish a vibrant, externally-funded research program that is recognized for scientific excellence and leadership, provide effective instruction, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral scholars. The ideal candidate will apply experimental, computational, analytical, and/or field approaches to the broadly defined areas of Energy Transition Geoscience. Appointment at the assistant professor level is anticipated, but higher ranks may be considered for exceptional candidates. A full list of faculty responsibilities is provided in the Virginia Tech Faculty Handbook (http://provost.vt.edu/faculty_affairs/faculty_handbook.html).
The successful candidate will join a dynamic and growing department with internationally recognized faculty. Virginia Tech offers unique opportunities for scholars to join active and inclusive research communities, e.g., through the Institute of Critical Technology and Applied Science (https://ictas.vt.edu/), Global Change Center (https://globalchange.vt.edu/), and the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research (https://energy.vt.edu/), as well as Destination Areas in Data and Decisions, Economical and Sustainable Materials, and Global Systems Science (https://www.provost.vt.edu/destination_areas.html). A complete list of Virginia Tech Research Centers is available at https://www.research.vt.edu/about/institutes/centers.html. Virginia Tech also offers numerous Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Programs (https://graduateschool.vt.edu/academics/programs/interdisciplinary-graduate-education/interdisciplinary-graduate-education-programs.html).
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in geoscience or a related field at the time of appointment. Preference will be given to candidates that: (1) articulate a compelling vision of how their research contributes to the energy transition; (2) describe how their teaching and mentoring will benefit our student community; (3) demonstrate a strong knowledge of, track record of, and plans for advancing diversity, inclusion, and equity in research, teaching and university service; (4) understand the evolving funding opportunities in their field and demonstrate potential to attract external research funding; (5) show evidence of high-quality academic scholarship; and (6) engage in research and teaching that complements existing strengths, resources, and infrastructure in the department and university.
Candidates should apply online at http://www.jobs.vt.edu in response to posting 527023. Application materials include a cover letter, CV, contact details for at least three referees, and individual statements detailing (1) plans to establish a successful research program, (2) teaching interests, experiences, and philosophy, and (3) interests, experiences and capacity to contribute to institutional efforts that enhance diversity and inclusion. Each statement should not exceed two pages, and the teaching statement should address both undergraduate and graduate education.
Review of applications will begin December 1, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start of employment is August 2024. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in geoscience or a related field upon appointment. The successful applicant must undergo a criminal background check. For further information, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Ryan Pollyea, at rpollyea@vt.edu.
