Tenure-Track Faculty - Planetary Sciences

European Geosciences Union (EGU); Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in planetary science. We welcome candidates across Solar System and exoplanet research, using diverse methodologies. Preference is for assistant professor level, though senior appointments will be considered.

EAPS community includes multiple departments and partnerships; start date is Sept 1, 2027 or later. The department seeks leaders in research and education, with strong potential for innovation,

Qualifications

• PhD in earth and planetary sciences or closely related field is required by the start of employment.
• Experience in teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels is expected.

Responsibilities

• Tenure-track faculty in planetary sciences with focus on research leadership and innovation.
• Contribute to teaching courses and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Collaborate with MIT planetary science community and related departments.

Education

PhD

Job description

Position

Tenure-Track Faculty - Planetary Sciences

Employer

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Location

Cambridge, United States of America

Sector

Academic

Relevant division

Planetary and Solar System Sciences (PS)

Type

Full time

Level

Experienced

Salary

Open

Preferred Education

PhD

Application deadline

11 October 2026

Posted

11 September 2026

Job Description

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, Massachusetts invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the broad field of planetary science. We seek outstanding scientists with interest in and potential for innovation and leadership in planetary science that complements and/or expands the expertise of the MIT planetary science community.

We seek candidates in all areas of planetary science, including both Solar System and exoplanet research. We welcome candidates who use any methodology or combination of methodologies, including astronomical and spacecraft-based observations, field work, laboratory experimentation, theory and modeling. Our preference is to hire at the assistant professor level, but more senior appointments will also be considered.

EAPS is an academic community of approximately 40 faculty, 100 research staff (including postdocs), and 180 students, who study integrated aspects of Earth and planetary sciences, including through partnership with the MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Joint Program. The MIT planetary science community also includes the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Aeronautics and Astronautics, the MIT-Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, Wallace Observatory and Haystack Observatory. MIT is part of the Magellan and Giant Magellan Telescope consortia.

EAPS is committed to academic excellence and to fostering an intellectually vibrant, equitable, and inclusive environment. Successful candidates are expected to have the potential for innovation and leadership in research and a commitment to teaching courses and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the earth and planetary sciences.

We request that applications and other materials, including (a) a curriculum vitae, (b) a research statement, (c) a teaching and mentoring statement, and (d) three letters of recommendation sent by the referees, be submitted online. The teaching and mentoring statement can include topics such as service, outreach, or other means of supporting the educational environment. To receive full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by October 15, 2026. Employment is expected to begin on September 1, 2027, or a mutually agreed-upon date thereafter. A Ph.D. in earth and planetary sciences or a closely related field is required by the start of employment.

A pay range for a 9-month academic appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is between $143,200 – $154,000. MIT provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.

MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. View MIT Policy on Non-Discrimination and EEOC’s Know Your Rights. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any findings of misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.

For questions, please contact Ms. Rachel Ward, HR Administrator, EAPS, 55-101C Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, Email: [e-mail].