Employment Opportunities

Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, and Earth-surface Processes

About the Job
The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and/or Earth-surface processes. This search is broad, encompassing the deep-time sedimentary record to modern-day processes and deposits; the full range of field, laboratory, theoretical, and computational approaches; and the marine realm to the terrestrial surface and cryosphere. We seek to fill this position at the assistant professor level, though higher ranks may be considered for exceptional candidates.

About the Department
The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences is part of the College of Science & Engineering. It hosts diverse research programs and state-of-the-art facilities within the recently renovated Tate Hall. In addition to the department, the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences encompasses the Continental Scientific Drilling (CSD) Facility, the Institute for Rock Magnetism (IRM), the Polar Geospatial Center (PGC), and the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS). Further information about the department may be found online at https://cse.umn.edu/esci.

Additional centers and strengths at the University of Minnesota include the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL), the Institute on the Environment (IonE), the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC), GEMS (Genomics Environment Management Socio-Economic) Informatics, the Biotechnology Institute, and the Water Resources Center. Beyond these, the University hosts strong programs across the Earth and environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, soils and agricultural sciences, fluid mechanics, and geography.

Additional Important Information
Successful applicants are expected to contribute to a diverse research and teaching community by developing a vigorous, internationally recognized, and externally funded research program; through teaching courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels; and through service including engagement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences is part of the College of Science & Engineering and houses research programs as well as state-of-the-art analytical facilities spanning a broad spectrum of Earth Science disciplines.

Applicants must:

  • Have a Ph.D. in the geosciences or a related field at the time of appointment
  • Have a track record of peer-reviewed publications

Applicants must submit:

  • A cover letter
  • A curriculum vitae
  • Statements (up to two pages each) on
    • Research interests, experiences, and future directions
    • Teaching interests, experiences, and future directions
    • Experience with and plans to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Names and contact information (email, phone) of three references.

These materials must be submitted online through Interfolio: apply.interfolio.com/115843

The research statement will be evaluated on past accomplishments and the potential of future plans for impactful or transformative contributions. The teaching statement should include information on educational and mentoring philosophy, pedagogical approach(es), past experience, and proposed courses to teach and/or develop. The DEI statement should encompass past and anticipated actions to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the earth and environmental sciences alongside an understanding of the role and significance of this work. Expectations for the extent of past experience in each category will be based on the applicant's career stage.

Appointment may begin as early as Fall Semester 2023. Review of applications will begin on January 2, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. For further information or questions, please contact search-committee chair Andrew Wickert (awickert@umn.edu).

The University of Minnesota values a diverse faculty, which fosters a richness of perspectives and an inclusive environment, and whose members serve as role models for the next generation of geoscientists and the broad student body engaging in our courses. The University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Director, Polar Geospatial Center

Applications are now being taken for a new Director of the Polar Geospatial Center.

Unit and Program Information
The Polar Geospatial Center (PGC) is a part of the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences in the College of Science & Engineering. PGC provides geospatial support, mapping, and GIS/remote sensing solutions to researchers and logistics teams in the polar science community and worldwide. We collaborate with scientists to complete their research goals in a safe, timely, and efficient manner by providing a service which most groups do not have the resources or expertise to complete. Our goal is to introduce new, state-of-the-art techniques from the geospatial field to effectively solve problems in the least mapped places on Earth. PGC is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, the US Forest Service, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Work Summary
The Director of the Polar Geospatial Center has responsibility for development and execution of plans to achieve the center’s vision of providing geospatial support to the science and logistics communities in polar regions and advancing the use of geospatial and remote sensing data in the geosciences worldwide. The position leads and contributes to PGC’s geospatial initiatives including GIS analysis, remote sensing products, data production pipelines, cartography and visualization, data democratization, earth science and polar logistics support.

In this role, the Director:

  • Serves as Principal Investigator and Director of the Center, including responsibility for designing research programs, submitting proposals to funding agencies, managing project execution and reporting, and communicating with Center stakeholders including PGC’s user community and funding sources.  
  • Leads Center strategic planning and management efforts.
  • Is accountable for performance and results of Center initiatives to both Center sponsors and staff. 
  • Provides leadership and coordination to PGC managers and conveys big-picture context to staff and students. Cultivates and empowers staff and supports PGC’s inclusive culture.  
  • Sets priorities for user support, community engagement, and data production initiatives. 
  • Serves as primary liaison to the scientific community, including promotion of PGC’s activities and identification of opportunities to improve PGC services.

Major Job functions

  • Direct the Polar Geospatial Center - responsibilities include project management, personnel planning, development and supervision, identification of new funding opportunities, proposal and grant writing, budget preparation, project reporting, policy development, prioritization of projects and initiatives.
  • Lead and contribute to PGC’s geospatial initiatives including GIS analysis, remote sensing products, data production pipelines, cartography and visualization, data democratization, and earth science and polar logistics support. Support and develop PGC’s commitment to DEI.
  • Identify and evaluate trends and future directions in the geoscience, remote sensing, and scientific computing communities in order to position the Center for long-term success and viability.  Develop and refine Center strategic plans.  Cultivate innovation in PGC’s staff and students.
  • Be an articulate and enthusiastic representative for PGC at conferences and workshops. Communicate PGC activities through presentations and written material.  Engage with PGC’s user communities to encourage awareness, broaden participation, and improve products. Advocate for Center interests with stakeholders and collaborators.
  • Pursue opportunities to partner with the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and others to facilitate growth of geospatial research at the University of Minnesota and contribute to geospatial education at the undergraduate through graduate level,

Required Qualifications

  • BA/BS and at least 12 years of experience or advanced degree and 10 years of experience in the geosciences, remote sensing, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated understanding of current remote sensing technologies, trends, and opportunities.
  • Passion for science, science support, open data, and DEI principles.
  • Demonstrated ability to promote initiatives and communicate findings to a broad range of audiences.
  • Experience designing, scoping, and writing proposals for federal grants or contracts. 
  • Personnel and project management experience, including hiring and developing team members.
  • Aptitude for big-picture thinking, problem solving creativity, and strategic planning.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with computational methods, High-performance computing (HPC), and the Big-Data landscape.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates must apply online at UMN's "Find a Job" Site; Job Posting ID Number: 352478

Applicants must submit:

  • A cover letter
  • A curriculum vitae
  • Vision statement (up to two pages) outlining future directions of PGC
  • Statement (up to three pages) addressing the following topics:
    • Project Management experience and approaches
    • Research interests, experiences, and future directions
    • Experience with and plans to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Names and contact information (email, phone) of three references

Postdoctoral Associate - General Position

The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities may have postdoctoral positions available (contingent upon funding) for conducting research with faculty members. This position description is intended to facilitate hiring when positions are available.

Faculty research specialties include, but are not limited to, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, petrology, structural geology, rock and mineral physics, climate studies, geodynamics, geo(micro)biology, biogeochemistry, paleontology, and tectonics.

Positions may become available during the academic year. Minimum requirements for postdoctoral associate positions are a Ph.D. in physical or biological sciences or allied fields, depending on the specific position available.

Before applying, it is highly recommended that interested persons review faculty research webpages and to contact faculty member(s) directly.  

Candidates must apply online at UMN's "Find a Job" Site; Job Posting ID Number: 349004*; and must submit CV/Resume and a Cover Letter.  Recommended but not required are Statement of Research Interests and Names of Three References. (*See below for instructions on finding the job posting in the employment system.)

*To find the job posting:

  • Click on this link: UMN's "Find a Job" Site
  • Click on the appropriate 'button' for your status (e.g. "External Faculty and Staff Applications")
  • In 'Keywords' - type corresponding JOB POSTING ID NUMBER and hit the SEARCH button
  • Click on the job posting, please read through it in case there are specific instructions, then when you are ready, hit the "Apply" button at the bottom of the page.
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