Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia in Vancouver invites applications for an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in U-Pb Geochronology. The appointee will develop an internationally recognized research program, integrate mineralogy and petrology, and contribute to PCIGR and EOAS infrastructure.

The successful candidate will supervise graduate students and postdocs, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and engage in service with EOAS, UBC and external partners including industry and Indigenous

Qualifications

• PhD completed by the time of appointment.
• Research focus in igneous and/or metamorphic processes.
• Evidence of excellence in U-Pb geochronology via publications or method development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an externally funded U-Pb geochronology program.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses and contribute to EOAS curriculum.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Electron microbeam techniques (EPMA,/-

Postdoctoral research experience

Geochronology expertise

Education

PhD in Earth Sciences

Tools

CA-TIMS

LA-ICP-MS

EPMA

Job description

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) – U-Pb Geochronology

Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS; www.eoas.ubc.ca) in the Faculty of Science at The University of British Columbia (UBC) seeks candidates for an Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, in U-Pb Geochronology, with an expected start date of July1,2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, and a salary within the range of $140,000-$150,000 per annum.

We seek an innovative geochronologist with expertise in developing and applying high-precision U-Pb petrochronological methods to fundamental questions in the solid Earth sciences. Candidates applying geochronological approaches to problems across the full breadth of hard-rock geology are welcome, including deep-time crustal evolution, tectonic tempos, igneous and metamorphic systems, ore deposit genesis, and planetary differentiation.

The successful candidate is expected to leverage the department’s world-class analytical infrastructure and capitalize on existing departmental strengths in tectonics, orebody knowledge, geophysics, and geochemistry. We welcome and expect an openness to research collaboration within and beyond the department and UBC.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an internationally recognized, externally funded research program in geochronology with strong integration of mineralogy and petrology.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise, as well as broader courses within the EOAS curriculum.
• Help sustain and continue to develop PCIGR, including its infrastructure and technical team.
• Engage in departmental, university, and professional service activities.
• Work collaboratively with EOAS faculty and research units (e.g. PCIGR, EMXDF and MDRU (Mineral Deposit Research Unit)), the broader UBC community, and with external partners, including industry, government, and Indigenous communities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Earth Sciences or a closely related field, completed by the time of appointment.
• Research focus including igneous and/or metamorphic processes.
• Evidence of excellence in the field of U-Pb geochronology via, for example, method development, technical papers, conference contributions.
• A strong record of research productivity commensurate with career stage, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated ability to attract external research funding, or clear potential to do so.
• Evidence of, or clear potential for, excellence in teaching and student supervision.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systematically marginalized.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry and geochronological techniques.
• Expertise in electron microbeam techniques (EPMA, SEM-EDS).
• Postdoctoral research experience.

About EOAS and UBC

EOAS is Canada’s largest and highest-ranked Earth Sciences department, ranked 13th globally in the latest QS World University Rankings. It offers a uniquely interdisciplinary environment with internationally recognized excellence in research, innovative teaching, and experiential learning spanning the full breadth of Earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences. EOAS fosters a vibrant, collaborative community that brings together expertise in geology, geophysics, oceanography, atmospheric science, hydrogeology, geological engineering, and environmental science to advance understanding of the Earth system and address complex challenges related to natural resources, natural hazards, climate, and the environment.

UBC’s campuses are located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples and of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations, and within one of the world’s great natural laboratories.

Direct access to the North American Cordillera, including active volcanic arcs, deeply exhumed metamorphic complexes, Precambrian cratons, and world-class mineral districts, provides exceptional opportunities for field-based research and experiential learning. Vancouver is a global centre for mineral exploration, with a long history of collaboration between industry and UBC, particularly through the EOAS-hosted Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU). Consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver also offers unparalleled access to mountains, the ocean, and a vibrant, culturally diverse urban environment.

Analytical Facilities

Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR)

A flagship facility for isotope geochemistry and geochronology with an extensive suite of instrumentation and experienced technical leadership. Capabilities include single zircon dating via both laser ablation ICP-MS and chemical abrasion–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-TIMS, equipped with a full suite of 1013 resistors); dedicated class-100 clean laboratories to enable ultra-low blank Pb work (<0.2pgPbblanks); and a recently installed triple-quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-MS/MS).

Electron Microbeam and X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF)

A state‑of‑the‑art facility for micro-analytical characterization of geological and materials samples, featuring scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS capabilities, electron microprobe (EPMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and cathodoluminescence imaging.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized.

UBC is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from members of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.