Hibernia Project Chair in Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins

Hibernia Project Chair in Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins

The Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University seeks candidates for the newly created Hibernia Project Research Chair in Tectonics of Sedimentary Basins (Ref: VPA-EASC-2017-001). We are seeking a faculty member at the Assistant Professor level who will conduct and coordinate research on the tectonics of sedimentary basins. Exceptional candidates at the Associate level will also be considered. Early career researchers are strongly encouraged to apply. The Hibernia Project Chair is expected to build on existing petroleum geoscience expertise and research capacity at Memorial University and encourage and develop new collaborations between Memorial faculty and students and the oil and gas industry.

The position is a regular tenure-track position, but partially funded by the Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC), the industry sponsor of the chair. HMDC is responsible for management and operations of the Hibernia oil field. The budget for the chair includes a sizeable research grant from HMDC. It is also expected that the selected candidate will match these industry funds through applications to leveraging programs from both provincial (e.g., Innovate NL Collaborate R&D - https://tinyurl.com/y6egy884) and federal (e.g., NSERC Alliance Grant program - https://tinyurl.com/yyrymasw) granting agencies.

The successful candidate will have research interests in and undertake field-based research in tectonics of sedimentary basins that may include, but not limited to: 1) sediment provenance studies; 2) structure and tectonic evolution of sedimentary basins; 3) geological controls on the seismic response of sedimentary rocks and fluids in the subsurface environment; and/or 4) exhumation and thermal-burial histories of sedimentary basins.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Earth Science or a related field, an exceptional record of peer-reviewed research related to the tectonics of sedimentary basins, and the capacity to develop and lead a high-quality research program, at least some of which will be based in Newfoundland and Labrador and funded through external awards including industry partners. It is expected that the candidate will demonstrate commitment to the effective mentoring of students and teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in topics including tectonics, sedimentary basin evolution, and geological field methods at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Experience in research within industry-academic research consortia; the ability to undertake cutting edge industrially relevant research with industry partners; potential for and demonstrated interest and ability to conduct and support studies involving students and industry partners; and hands-on industry experience are also considered assets for the position.

Applications should be received by October 30, 2019, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates should submit a letter of application with the names and contact information (including email) of three referees, current curriculum vitae, and a statement of planned research program and teaching interests to: Dr. Gregory Dunning, Head, Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5, or, preferably, email applications in PDF format to: earthscihead@mun.ca. Please quote the reference number VPA-EASC-2017-001 in the application and email subject line. Additional information is available at www.mun.ca/earthsciences/ or by contacting Dr. Gregory Dunning, Head of Earth Sciences at earthscihead@mun.ca or by telephone at 709-864-2334.

The Department of Earth Sciences is one of the largest and most diverse in Canada. With approximately 25 faculty members, including the NSERC-Chevron IRC Chair in Reservoir Characterization and two Canada Research Chairs in Marine Geology and Boreal Biogeochemistry, over 15 staff members, and leading-edge teaching and research facilities, the Department is able to offer high quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The Department participates in Memorial’s interdisciplinary graduate program in Environmental Science (http://www.mun.ca/science/graduate/interdisciplinary/envs/index.php). The successful candidate will also have access to modern analytical and high-performance computing facilities within the Department of Earth Sciences (www.mun.ca/earthsciences/Research/Facilities/) and Memorial University’s CREAIT network (www.mun.ca/research/resources/creait/physical-sci/). Other research and teaching resources available at Memorial University include the Ocean Sciences Centre, Fisheries and Marine Institute, Bonne Bay Marine Station in Gros Morne National Park, Labrador Institute, and the Harlow Campus outside London, United Kingdom.

Memorial University of Newfoundland is the largest university in Atlantic Canada. As the province’s only university, Memorial plays an integral role in the educational and cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador. Offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs to over 18,000 students, Memorial provides a distinctive and stimulating environment for learning in St. John’s, a safe, friendly city with great historic charm, a vibrant cultural life, and easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities (http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/PlacesToGo/StJohns).

Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities, and racialized people; and people with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This position is subject to budgetary approval.