Assistant Faculty Position – Geoscience Innovation with AI

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston, TX seeks a tenure-track assistant professor in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences who focuses on applying AI to geoscience problems. The candidate will build an externally funded research program, teach core courses, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and service.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate expertise in developing AI methods for Earth, environmental, or planetary science challenges, spanning molecular to planetary scales and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Earth, Environmental, or Planetary Science or related field by the time of appointment.
• Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements on research and teaching, and three professional references.

Responsibilities

• Establish a vigorous, externally funded research program.
• Teach core courses and develop undergraduate and graduate courses in their area.
• Engage in service to the department, university, and scientific community.

Skills

AI in geoscience

Teaching

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Earth/Environmental/Planetary Science

Job description

Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, RiceUniversity

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. Application deadline: October 15, 2026. For questions, please contact [e-mail].

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 of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in Earth Science; attract students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds; accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff varied in background and thought; and maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our community.

Rice University

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.

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University