Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Planetary Sciences

The Department of Earth and Space Sciences, in the College of the Environment at the University of Washington, is soliciting applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track assistant professor in planetary sciences to study processes on the origins, evolution and diversity of planetary bodies.

We seek a planetary scientist who complements existing department strengths in planetary atmospheres and biogeochemical processes. Positive factors for consideration are candidates with expertise relevant to the geophysics and geochemistry of planetary interiors and/or surfaces. Areas of focus could include, but are not limited to, high pressure processes, planetary accretion and differentiation, crustal formation, deformation, and evolution, and geodynamics. Additional positive factors for consideration include, but are not limited to, contributions to interdisciplinary research and teaching in areas such as planetary science, astrobiology, thermodynamics, rock and mineral physics, glaciology, remote sensing, instrumentation or preparation for the professional workforce, and current involvement or demonstrated potential to be involved in planetary missions.

All University of Washington faculty engage in teaching, research and service. The new hire will be expected to build a vibrant and externally-funded research program that contributes to science of global significance. The successful candidate will teach within the core Earth and space sciences curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will be expected to support the department’s commitment to working collaboratively with other faculty and to strong mentorship of students from a wide range of disciplines, cultures, and academic backgrounds. We value collegiality and contributions to the inclusive culture of the Earth and Space Sciences Department community.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic interdisciplinary department, including 6 new tenure-track faculty hires in the past four years. The Department of Earth and Space Sciences includes ~30 research and teaching faculty, 90 graduate students, and 200 undergraduate majors. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration exist within the department, including strengths in glaciology, geophysics, volcanology and petrology, planetary sciences and geochemistry. There is opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary units at UW including the School of Oceanography, the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, the Applied Physics Laboratory, Polar Science Center, Materials Science & Engineering, Aeronautics & Astronautics, and the program in Astrobiology.

The University of Washington is located in the Seattle metropolitan area and offers one of the most exceptional research and teaching environments in the United States.  It serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from over 70 countries.  The College of the Environment seeks to attract and promote a diverse workforce to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning. UW, the College of the Environment and the Department of Earth and Space Science offer a range of networking, mentoring and professional development opportunities for junior faculty.

The base salary range for this position will be $9,500 to $14,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance, a relocation incentive, and/or limited commitment of summer salary.

The anticipated start date is September 1, 2025. The initial appointment of an Assistant Professor is typically for a period of three years. Renewal for a second three-year term will be considered by the department and school/college/campus during spring quarter of the second year.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree (or foreign equivalent) in Earth and Planetary Science or a related relevant field by the start of the appointment. 

Application Instructions

Submit the following materials via Interfolio. Review of applications will begin on October 1st, 2024.  Required materials include the following:

• A cover letter of no more than one page
• Curriculum vitae with publication list
• Three statements (no more than 10 pages total) addressing 1) research and leadership accomplishments, as well as future research plans, 2) teaching and mentoring, including plans for effective teaching, and 3) contributions or plans to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (see http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/), and
• Contact information for three (3) referees who will be invited to submit letters confidentially through the Interfolio application. 

Questions about the application process or position in general should be addressed to esshr@uw.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.