Assistant Professor

About This Role:

The Department of Geology at Kansas State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Hydrogeology, beginning August 2025.

We seek an enthusiastic and versatile geoscientist able to contribute to our growing bachelor's and master's degree programs. The position requires excellence in teaching and mentoring, professional and scholarly achievements, and a commitment to service to the Department and the University. The successful candidate is expected to develop and maintain a vigorous, externally funded research program, supervise graduate and undergraduate theses, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The successful applicant will ideally carry out research in the broad area of hydrogeology. Anticipated areas of specialization could include groundwater flow and/or reactive-transport modeling, contaminant hydrology, groundwater quality/remediation, ecohydrology, surface water-groundwater interactions, critical-zone processes, hydrogeophysics, and/or aquifer storage and recovery. Research that integrates field methods with numerical and/or laboratory approaches is highly desired. The new faculty member will be expected to teach our undergraduate course in hydrogeology and develop upper level undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of specialty. They will also be expected to supervise research students in this area of geoscience.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. K-State is a Land Grant University with an enrollment of about 20,000 students. It has been ranked among the top state and private institutions of higher education in Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholars since 1986. As part of its new strategic plan, Kansas State University aims to lead the nation as a next-generation land-grant university - setting the standard for inspiring learning, creativity, discovery, and engagement that positively impacts society and transforms lives in Kansas and around the world.

The programs in the College of Arts and Sciences are central to K-State's historic and present missions. The College contains more than 22 departments and offers several special programs and secondary majors. With more than 4,500 students, it attracts the largest enrollment of any K-State college.

The Department of Geology ( http://www.ksu.edu/geology) currently includes 11 faculty members, and vibrant undergraduate and master's programs in geology. We are also a major contributor to the K-State's interdisciplinary Environmental Science Program . Existing research strengths include geophysics, geodynamics, aqueous geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, geomicrobiology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, economic geology, geochronology, surficial processes, structural geology, Earth history, igneous petrology, and tectonics.

The Department of Geology currently occupies an attractive older building but is in the process of extensively renovating laboratory and classroom space adjacent to other STEM departments in a central area of campus, with an expected date of completion of summer 2025. We have a supportive alumni group who help to provide scholarships, research and travel funds for our students. Numerous analytical and computational resources exist within the department, including instruments and equipment for porous median characterization, aqueous and gas-phase geochemistry, anaerobic culturing, luminescence dating, field geophysics, and petrological analysis. A wide range of facilities are also available across campus including those listed here: https://www.k-state.edu/directories/research-facilities.html .

K-State is home to numerous successful STEM programs, providing opportunities for strong collaborations across a several disciplines, including soil science, ecology, molecular biology, biochemistry, geospatial sciences, and civil, environmental, and biological and agricultural engineering. Moreover, the successful candidate will have opportunities to connect with many other water researchers at K-State through our newly established Kansas Water Institute .

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State's guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must possess a doctorate in Geology or related field from an accredited university by July 31, 2025.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and sustain an active, externally funded research program, and effectively manage research projects and supervise student/staff researchers.
• Qualifications to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in the geology curriculum effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Versatility in teaching capabilities, for example ability to teach both service-level introductory geology as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate level courses.
• Ability to establish collaborations beyond the department and college.
• Willingness to serve the department, institution, and profession through active participation in committees and professional societies.
• Industry experience and contacts.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. A letter of application that describes their qualifications and background.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. Statement of research plans and vision.
4. Statement of teaching philosophy and interests, which should also describe the applicant's commitment to working with students from diverse backgrounds and experience with inclusive pedagogies.
5. Three letters of reference.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins on January 6th, 2025, and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$75,000-$85,000.