Assistant Professor - Earth Structure and Deformation

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Position

Assistant Professor - Earth Structure and Deformation

Employer

University of New Mexico

Location

Albuquerque, United States of America

Sector

Academic

Relevant divisions

Natural Hazards (NH)

Seismology (SM)

Tectonics and Structural Geology (TS)

Type

Full time

Level

Experienced

Salary

Open

Required education

PhD

Application deadline

Open until the position is filled

Posted

29 September 2026

Job Description The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Earth Structure and Deformation to begin in August 2027. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Earth Science, Geology, Geophysics, or a closely related discipline by the start date of the appointment. For best consideration, all application materials must be received by December 13, 2026.

We seek a scientist whose research investigates the structure and deformation of the solid Earth using field-based, observational, experimental, computational, geophysical, or integrative approaches across a range of spatial and temporal scales. We welcome applicants working in areas including, but not limited to, structural geology, tectonics, rock deformation, tectonic geomorphology, geohazards, and related fields. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research will expand and complement the Department’s expertise in solid-Earth science. The new faculty member will establish an active, externally funded research program; mentor undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students; contribute to interdisciplinary research; and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise as well as contribute to the broader Earth and environmental sciences curriculum. We welcome candidates with interest and experience in field-based teaching that takes advantage of the world-class geological settings accessible from Albuquerque.

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico is a collaborative community of Earth scientists working across the solid Earth, surface Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences. EPS offers undergraduate degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Science, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences.

UNM provides a rich environment for interdisciplinary research, with opportunities for collaboration across campus and with nearby national laboratories, state and federal agencies, and other research institutions. The University's location in central New Mexico provides exceptional access to diverse geological settings, including active tectonic systems, volcanic fields, rift basins, mountain belts, and arid landscapes. The region offers outstanding opportunities for field-based, observational, and multidisciplinary Earth science research.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Earth Science, Geology, Geophysics, or a closely related discipline completed by the start date of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of research and publication in Earth structure and deformation as evidenced by CV, Research Statement, Teaching Statement, and /or Cover Letter.
• Demonstrated potential to establish and sustain an externally funded research program in Earth structure and deformation as evidenced by CV, Research Statement, Teaching Statement, and /or Cover Letter.
• Evidence of effective undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring, or demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring, including the ability to contribute to the broader geoscience curriculum beyond the candidate’s primary area of specialization as evidenced by CV, Research Statement, Teaching Statement, and /or Cover Letter.
• A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities as evidenced by CV, Research Statement, Teaching Statement, and /or Cover Letter.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

A complete application consists of a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications as they relate to the minimum and preferred criteria (not to exceed 2 pages); a current curriculum vitae, including email address, telephone number, and contact information for three professional references; a research statement describing past research accomplishments and plans for developing an externally funded research program at UNM (not to exceed 2 pages); and a teaching and mentoring statement describing teaching experience, approaches to student mentoring, and plans for contributing to undergraduate and graduate education (not to exceed 2 pages).

Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico, is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution. Our campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, which has cultural, outdoor and recreational opportunities for everyone. Learn more about our city, our welcoming campus, and research opportunities at http://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/ and https://advance.unm.edu/why-unm/ . For more information regarding the College of Arts and Science's ambitious hiring plan, including a list of departments that are hiring faculty members with shared interests, please see this page . For Best Consideration

For best consideration, please apply by 12/13/2026. This position will remain open until filled.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

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