Assistant Faculty Position – Geoscience Innovation with AI

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston, TX, invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. The start date is anticipated July 1, 2027.

We seek scholars who advance AI methods for Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences through innovative data, modeling, and field observations. Successful candidates will establish an externally funded program, teach core courses, and develop new undergraduate and graduate offerings.

Qualifications

• All candidates must have earned a Ph.D. in Earth, Environmental, or Planetary Science or a related field by the time of the appointment.
• Applicants should submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements on research and teaching, and the names/affiliations/emails of at least three references.
• Candidates should describe plans to foster inclusive environments in research and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Establish a vigorous, externally funded research program.
• Teach core courses and develop undergraduate and graduate courses within area of expertise.
• Contribute to service to the department, university, and broader scientific community.

Skills

AI for geoscience applications

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Curriculum development

Education

Ph.D. in Earth, Environmental, or Planetary Science

Tools

Interfolio Faculty Search

Job description

Rice University: Wiess School of Natural Sciences: Earth Environmental Planetary Sciences

Location

Houston, Texas

Open Date

Sep 08, 2026

Deadline

Oct 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Rice University

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University, in Houston, TX, seeks applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. Applications are encouraged from scientists who innovatively develop and adapt Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to advance understanding of processes in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. Approaches that harness the potential of AI in conjunction with terrestrial or space-based geoscience data, computational and physics-based modeling of geoscience processes, and/or field observations are encouraged. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in developing and adapting AI methods for problems in the geoscience domain, potentially encompassing molecular to planetary scales and from Earth’s atmosphere to its deep interior. We welcome research linked to major challenges in natural hazards, energy transition, climate, and environmental systems.

The successful candidate is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, teach core courses, and develop undergraduate and graduate courses within their area of expertise, and be involved in service to the department, university, and the broader scientific community. Candidates are encouraged to consider their alignment with initiatives outlined in Rice’s strategic plan (https://momentous.rice.edu/ ).

Requirements:

All candidates must have earned a Ph.D. degree in Earth, Environmental, or Planetary Science or a related field by the time of the appointment. Applicants must submit the following: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statement on research; (4) statement on teaching; and (5) the names, affiliations, and email addresses of at least three professional references. Within the research and teaching statements applicants may choose to describe plans to foster welcoming and supportive environments in their research group and classes. Details about the department and its facilities can be found at http://eeps.rice.edu .

Rice University is located in Houston, Texas, USA and is a private, coeducational, nonsectarian university that aspires to path-breaking research, unsurpassed teaching, and contributions to the betterment of our world. We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Also, in our candidate pools, we seek to attract greater representation ofwomen,scholars of color, people with disabilities,veterans, and others whohave historically beenunderrepresented in Earth Science; attract students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds; accelerateprogress in buildinga faculty and staff varied in background and thought;and maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding withinourcommunity.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.