Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in Lithospheric Deformation

Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in Lithospheric Deformation

College/School/Unit: Jackson School of Geosciences
Department: Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Posted: Aug 24, 2026
Apply By: Open until filled

Description

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) seeks to hire an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (tenured) in the field of Lithospheric Deformation. We seek a colleague with an innovative research and education vision, who will add to existing strengths in our department in structural geology, tectonics, geomechanics, and lithospheric dynamics. Example areas of specialization include, but are not limited to: structural geology and deformation processes; tectonic, glacial, planetary, injection-induced, volcanic collapse, or landslide-related deformation; fault zone geology and links to earthquake processes; geomechanics; seismotectonics; and structural and deformation processes applied to industry sectors such as energy, critical minerals, and geothermal exploration.

The successful applicant will contribute to a multidisciplinary research community within the Jackson School of Geosciences by building and leading an innovative, vibrant, and externally funded research program that complements existing research strengths in solid Earth and tectonic processes. In addition, the candidate will contribute to our interdisciplinary teaching community through teaching and mentoring our large graduate and undergraduate student bodies. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate interest or experience in teaching structural geology and tectonics as part of field educational programs.

The EPS department (is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences (JSG) (the department is home to over 50 faculty and a community of research scientists with a broad range of specialties, as well as access to outstanding research facilities and support. The School has one of the largest combined graduate and undergraduate enrollments of any Earth science program in North America. EPS is closely allied with the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) and the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), two large research units within the JSG. The Jackson School also partners with other entities across the University, including the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, the Cockrell School of Engineering, the College of Natural Sciences, the Texas Advanced Computing Center, the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability, and the Center for Space Research. The School also maintains extensive external partnerships nationally and internationally. The university is located in the thriving Austin metropolitan area with a dynamic, multicultural community of over 2 million people.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment. The successful applicant is expected to establish a vibrant, externally funded research program.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV including list of publications, two to three- page research statement outlining how the applicant's expertise addresses the above criteria and their future research plans, a two-page teaching and mentoring statement, and a list of three individuals who would be able to provide letters of reference. Submit copies of these materials online via Interfolio's 'Apply Now' option. The University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Review of applications will begin October 19th, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions concerning the search can be addressed to Jaime Barnes ( View email address on us.fitly.work ), and about the application and submissions process to EPS at View email address on us.fitly.work .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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