Assistant Professor of Geosciences

Colorado-Mesa-University; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 64,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Job summary

Colorado Mesa University seeks an Assistant Professor of Geosciences specializing in Structural Geology. Tenure-track position starting August 2027 with a 12-credit-hour teaching load per fall and spring semester.

The role includes building a research program in Structural Geology, integrating GIS/remote sensing, and mentoring undergraduates through field-based and lab-based methods. Collaboration and service to the department are expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geosciences or closely related discipline by summer 2027.
• Demonstrated expertise in Structural Geology.
• Proven teaching effectiveness and ability to foster a positive learning environment.
• Enthusiasm for mentoring undergraduate students and supervising research.

Responsibilities

• Teach geosciences courses and labs at introductory and upper-division levels, including Structural Geology.
• Establish a research program in Structural Geology with undergraduate opportunities.
• Incorporate GIS/remote sensing into teaching and research.
• Participate in the Geosciences Summer Field Camp and field-based projects.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Contribute to program assessment, curriculum development, and service to CMU.

Skills

Structural Geology

Teaching experience

Undergraduate mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Geosciences

Tools

GIS

Remote sensing

Job description

ANNOUNCMENT OF POSITION VACANCYABOUT THIS POSITIONSummary:Colorado Mesa University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Geosciences specializing in Structural Geology in the Geosciences Program. This is a full-time, tenure-track position starting August 2027.The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per fall and spring semester. Scholarship in the discipline, involvement with advising, and service to the university, department, and profession are expected.We encourage applications from candidates whose experience and interests align with the goals of this position, even if they do not meet every preferred qualification.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.Teach geosciences courses and labs at both the introductory and upper-division levels for liberal arts and science majors, including upper-level Structural Geology.Establish a research program in Structural Geology and/or related areas creating meaningful opportunities for undergraduate geoscience majors and geology minors. Other related fields include Geophysics, Planetary Geology, Economic Geology, and/or Energy Transition.Integrate field-based research experiences and geospatial methods into teaching and research, including the application of GIS and/or remote sensing tools.Participate in the department's six-week Geosciences Summer Field Camp, including projects focused on Structural Geology mapping.Advise and mentor undergraduate students.Participate in ongoing assessments and improvements of the geosciences program and curriculum.Engage in service to the university, program, department, and profession.Minimum Qualifications RequiredPh.D. in Geosciences or a closely related discipline by summer 2027.Demonstrated expertise in Structural Geology.Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching and creating a positive learning environment.Enthusiasm for working with and inspiring undergraduate students.Ability and enthusiasm for supervising undergraduate research that actively engages students in solving real-world geoscience problems, integrating geological and geospatial methods with meaningful field-based experiences.Ability to be team-focused, communicate, and work collaboratively and collegially with colleagues.Enthusiasm for supporting a curriculum that integrates field-based, lab-based, and computational approaches to prepare students for careers in both industry and academia.Preferred QualificationsEnthusiasm for teaching the following:Introductory geosciences courses, including Physical Geology, Natural Hazards, Geology of Colorado, and/or Weather and Climate.Required upper-level Geophysics lecture and lab courses and/or developing new courses related to the candidate’s area of expertise.Interest in teaching courses in GIS including remote sensing.Demonstrated expertise or research interests that complement Structural Geology in one or more of the following areas: Geophysics, Planetary Geology, Economic Geology, and/or Energy Transition.Experience applying GIS and/or remote sensing tools in teaching and research.Research interests that complement or diversify the research of current CMU geosciences faculty and provide meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students.Strong background in field-based instruction and research.Salary:$64,000 - $68,000Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package:How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:Please be prepared to upload the following materials:Cover Letter (one page): Summarize your qualifications and interest in the position.Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include published papers, manuscripts accepted for publication, proposals submitted and awarded, courses taught, students mentored, awards, and other relevant academic and professional achievements.Statement of Teaching Interests (max. 2 pages) : Describe previous formal teaching experience and future teaching goals; previous undergraduate mentoring contributions and future mentoring goals; and experience and approaches to teaching students from varied educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds and levels of preparation, including specific strategies that support belonging, learning, and academic success of all students.Statement of Research Interests (max. 2 pages) : Describe previous research accomplishments and significant scientific contributions; future research goals including plans for developing an independent research program at CMU; previous experience mentoring undergraduate researchers, and plans for involving undergraduate students in future research.Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed: If your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.Names and contact information for three references.Application Deadline: The search closes on December 14, 2026. To ensure consideration, complete applications must be received by December 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time.Direct Inquiries Contact: Dr. Wade Aubin, [e-mail] Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.