Assistant Professor-LowTemp Geochemistry-Earth and Planetary Sciences
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) at the University of New Mexico invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Low-Temperature Geochemistry to begin August 10, 2026. Applicants must have a PhD in Geochemistry, Geoscience, or a related field by date of appointment. For best consideration, all application materials must be received by December 22, 2025.
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has a full-time tenured/tenure track faculty of 11 and offers undergraduate degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Science, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Earth and Planetary Sciences. EPS facilities include state-of-the-art analytical laboratories for water and sediment chemistry, imaging, stable and radiogenic isotopes, access to high-performance computing facilities, and field sites that span New Mexico's diverse landscapes.
The new faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to geochemistry and undergraduate courses in Earth and environmental sciences. They are expected to have an active research program and supervise graduate students. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with researchers across UNM and at nearby national laboratories, as well as state and federal agencies.
To apply, please access the University of New Mexico's online application system at https://www.unm.edu/jobs and apply for postingRequisition #34200. Only applications submitted through this website can be considered.
UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico and is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution. Our campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, which has cultural, outdoor recreational opportunities for everyone. Learn more about our city, our welcoming campus, and research opportunities at http://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/ andhttps://advance.unm.edu/why-unm/. For more information regarding the College of Arts and Science’s ambitious hiring plan, including a list of departments that are hiring faculty members with shared interests, please seethis page
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. by appointment date with specialization in Low-Temperature Geochemistry or a related discipline.Preferred Qualifications:
- Evidence of scholarship in Low-Temperature Geochemistry
- Demonstrated ability or interest in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in low-temperature geochemistry and general courses in Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Demonstrated ability or interest in advising and directing graduate research
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain an externally funded research program
- A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
A complete application consists of the following: • A maximum two-page cover letter describing the applicant's qualifications as they relate to all of the minimum and preferred criteria • A current curriculum vita (including email address and telephone number for three references) • A teaching statement not to exceed two pages • A research statement not to exceed two pagesApplicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
Freqently Asked Questions
This position demands a deep focus on low-temperature geochemistry, distinguishing it from broader earth science roles. Candidates typically engage in detailed research on water, sediment chemistry, and isotopes, requiring specialized expertise beyond general geology or environmental sciences, aligning with UNM's cutting-edge analytical facilities.
Progression often involves advancing from assistant to associate professor, leading independent research programs, securing external funding, and potentially directing graduate student research. Given UNM’s research-active environment, faculty can collaborate with national labs, enhancing prospects for interdisciplinary projects and academic leadership.
Beyond standard teaching duties, this professor focuses on lab-intensive courses and mentoring graduate research in geochemistry. Daily tasks blend classroom instruction, managing sophisticated lab equipment, and collaborating on research projects, offering a balance of teaching and active scientific inquiry unique to this specialty.
UNM’s location near national laboratories and federal agencies provides unmatched chances for joint projects in geochemistry and planetary sciences. This connectivity fosters interdisciplinary research partnerships, access to advanced computing facilities, and involvement in state-wide environmental studies.
UNM emphasizes diversity and community engagement, encouraging faculty to integrate local cultural understanding into teaching and research. This fosters an inclusive academic environment where geochemistry experts contribute to both global science and New Mexico’s unique geological contexts.
Salaries generally fall between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, reflecting regional academic pay scales and the specialized expertise required in low-temperature geochemistry. Compensation also considers the candidate’s research funding success and teaching experience within earth sciences.
While the PhD is essential, additional certifications in analytical techniques or isotope geochemistry can enhance candidacy. Albuquerque’s proximity to research labs increases the value of practical experience with high-performance computing and environmental monitoring tools pertinent to regional geology.
Albuquerque offers a moderate competition level due to its research university status combined with national lab access. Candidates with strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills and active research portfolios in earth sciences often stand out in this regional academic job market.
Candidates must hold a PhD in geochemistry or related fields, demonstrate research excellence in low-temperature geochemistry, and show capability in teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. Experience in securing external funding and mentoring graduate students is highly advantageous.
UNM provides access to advanced labs, interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and mentoring programs. Faculty benefit from institutional resources aimed at research development, grant writing, and community engagement, fostering a robust environment for career advancement in geochemistry.
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