Research Assistant Professor, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Research Assistant Professor, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University 

The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at Vanderbilt University seeks outstanding candidates for a position of Research Assistant Professor, with the primary responsibility of overseeing its laboratory facilities. The position includes (1) technical work related to oversight and maintenance of the major analytical instrumentation and sample preparation facilities; (2) teaching and training of users, primarily students and postdocs in EES; (3) data curation and quality control; (4) management of budgets and contracts related to the EES labs; and (5) opportunity for independent or collaborative research.  

This is a full-time research professor position (not tenure-track), supported at 75% effort with the potential for an additional 25% effort earned through individual or collaborative external grants and contracts. The initial position is at the assistant faculty level on a 3-year renewable contract, conditional upon performance. Position is eligible to be considered for promotion to associate and full research professor through a well-defined review and reappointment process. A PhD is required at the time of employment.  

The faculty member will oversee the use and maintenance of the department’s major analytical equipment and associated sample preparation facilities.  These principally include: (i) a ThermoFisher iCAP Q quadrupole ICPMS that can be attached to a Photon Machines 193 nm laser-ablation unit; (ii) a Tescan Vega3 LM environmental SEM with EDS, EBSD, and CL attachments; (iii) a NorthStar ImagiX microCT scanner; (iv) a Thermo Delta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer with a GasBenchII and an Element Analyzer for analysis of light stable isotopes in carbonates and organic matter; (v) a Picarro L2130-i for the analysis of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes of water; and (vi) a Picarro G2201i for the analysis of carbon dioxide and methane and their carbon isotope compositions.  

The faculty member will be expected to train users and to teach relevant courses on analytical methods, primarily aimed at training graduate and advanced undergraduates on the use of the analytical instrumentation, including data processing and management.  

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has a strong institutional commitment to recruiting and retaining an academically and culturally diverse community of faculty. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Applications should include (a) a cover letter explaining interest in and relevant qualification for the position; (b) statements of research and teaching interests (either combined or separately, ideally no longer than 2 pages each); (c) a full CV, including relevant publications; and (d) names and contact information for 3-5 references. To apply, go to: https://apply.interfolio.com/136420.  

Initial review of applications will begin on December 5, 2023 and continue until the closing date of January 5, 2024 (all applications received by the closing date will receive full consideration). The position is available immediately, but the start date is negotiable. For questions regarding this posting please email kevin.hooper@vanderbilt.edu.