Assistant Professor in Energy Transition Geoscience, Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Fall 2025

The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for a faculty position in Energy Transition Geoscience. The position is for a full time, 9-month, tenure-line appointment at the Assistant Professor level that will begin on 1 August 2025. 

The successful candidate is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research and instruction program in the broad field of energy transition geoscience focused on the geologic and/or geochemical processes associated with the decarbonization of energy systems. Candidates with research interests in, but not limited to, studies in the geology of geothermal resources, subsurface energy storage, carbon capture and storage, underground hydrogen storage, mineral carbonation, and enhanced rock weathering are encouraged to apply. The selected candidate will effectively teach courses about energy transition geoscience at all levels, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and perform rank-appropriate departmental and university service. The Knoxville Campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.

The position forms part of a strategic constellation of hires within the College of Arts and Sciences focused on Societal Resilience to Climate Change. There is also ample potential to develop collaborations within UTK, such as through the Institute for Climate and Community Resilience, and/or several energy-focused programs at the nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Department has complementary and expanding expertise in geology and environmental research with a range of new applicable analytical facilities.

Societal Resilience to Climate Change (SoReCC) Constellation: Climate change has already become, and will remain, a defining global challenge of the 21st century. With societies now experiencing acute effects of rapid climate change, including environmental degradation, changes in global migration patterns, and political conflicts among nation-states, public and expert attention is increasingly shifting towards developing societal capabilities for disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and resilience. Positions added in the SoReCC strategic focus area will leverage the College’s existing instructional and research strength in disciplines and transdisciplinary areas that speak to questions of climate change and societal resilience; because of student interest in working to combat the most acute effects of global climate change, these disciplines are also ones that experience strong undergraduate and graduate instructional demand. Strengthening research and instructional capabilities in this focus area helps make life and lives better and connects with existing UTK-wide initiatives such as One Health and research on the circular bioeconomy and global energy ecosystems.

Qualifications

Required: Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in geoscience or a related discipline by the time of appointment. Only applications from candidates who will have completed their Ph.D. by the appointment date will be considered.

Preferred: Candidates must demonstrate the potential for excellence in research through publications and/or competitive support (e.g., grants, fellowships, contracts), and for potential excellence in teaching. UTK is a land-grant university that values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching and service. We consider evidence of these commitments in the records of applicants.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit: (1) cover letter articulating the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for this position, (2) full curriculum vitae, (3) no more than two-page statement that describes research experience, interests, and plans, (4) no more than two-page statement that describes teaching experience, interests, and plans, and (5) names and contact information for at least three professional references via apply.interfolio.com/154634. In addition to addressing qualifications for the position, candidates may describe how they would help promote students’ access to and inclusion in their teaching and research/scholarship/creative activities. Formal review of Applications will begin on 1 November 2024 and remain open until filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Chris Fedo (cfedo@utk.edu).