Geoscientist - Hydrogeology Professor

East Tennessee State University; Johnson City (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

East Tennessee State University’s Department of Geosciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor focusing on Hydrology/Hydrogeology or a closely related field. The candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate programs through teaching, mentoring, and externally fundable research.

Responsibilities include teaching hydrogeology and water-resources courses, mentoring students, and developing courses aligned with the program, with an emphasis on field and lab work

Qualifications

• PhD required in Geology/Geoscience/Geography or related field.
• Experience in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels preferred.
• Commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary teaching and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in hydrology-related topics.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research.
• Develop externally fundable research and build community partnerships.

Skills

Geo/Spatial statistics

GIS

groundwater

aquifer hydraulics

pollutant transport

hydrogeochemistry

water resources

field and lab methods

mentoring students

Education

PhD in Geology/Geoscience/Geography or related

Tools

Hydrology Lab

Job description

Job Summary

Department of Geosciences, East Tennessee State University

Review of Applicants will begin: February 1, 2027

The Department of Geosciences at East Tennessee State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with a focus on Hydrology/Hydrogeology or a closely related field. We seek a dynamic colleague who will contribute to our growing undergraduate and graduate programs through excellent teaching, student mentoring, and externally fundable research. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate and graduate courses in hydrogeology and related water-resources topics that support the B.S. in Geosciences (especially the Geology & Environment and Geospatial concentrations) and the M.S. in Geosciences. Specific courses include Principles of Hydrology (a Community-Engaged Learning course), Spatial Statistics, Geomorphology, introductory geoscience lectures and labs, graduate seminars, and other offerings aligned with or created within the candidate’s expertise. Experience integrating GIS or geospatial analysis into teaching and research is required. The successful candidate will mentor undergraduate and graduate students, conduct field- and lab-based research using the departmental Hydrology Lab, foster community partnerships, and have the opportunity to develop specialized courses.

East Tennessee offers an exceptional natural laboratory of complex karst terrain, Appalachian watersheds, and groundwater–surface water systems, providing outstanding opportunities for research on water resources, contaminant transport, climate impacts, and environmental resilience. The Department of Geosciences is strong and expanding, with collaborative strengths in watershed science, soils, hazards, geospatial technologies, and regional geology. Opportunities exist for partnerships with the M.S. in Environment, Health, and Disaster Sciences, the Surveying program, and regional agencies and watershed groups. ETSU continues to thrive amid national higher-education challenges, and start-up support is available to enhance the hydrology laboratory and develop other student-centered resources. We welcome applicants who demonstrate a commitment to hands‑on, interdisciplinary teaching and regionally relevant research that advances student success and community engagement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Understanding of:

• Geo/Spatial statistics
• GIS
• ground and surface water
• aquifer/hydraulics
• pollutant transport
• hydrogeochemistry (water quality)
• water resources
• field and laboratory methods
• interdisciplinary connections
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Required Qualifications: PhD in Geology, Geoscience, Geography, or related discipline.

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.