Assistant or Associate Professor in Critical Minerals and Energy Resources

Posting Number : F2574P

Working Title :

Assistant or Associate Professor in Critical Minerals and Energy Resources

Department : Franklin-Geology

About the University of Georgia :

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https : / / www.uga.edu / ) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College / Unit / Department :

The University of Georgia Department of Geology is committed to a collegial and integrated work environment. We value research creativity, dedication to teaching students at all levels, and a willingness to serve the University, professional societies, and the citizens of Georgia.

The Department of Geology at UGA has a dynamic, growing community of scholars and innovators advancing geoscience through cutting-edge research, education, and industry collaboration. With new initiatives such as the Georgia First Industry Partnership Program ( https : / / geology.uga.edu / georgia-first ), the department is forging deep connections with industry, government, and academic partners to address emerging challenges in critical mineral exploration and demand, energy transitions, resource sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Building on its legacy of excellence, the department is positioning itself as a regional and national leader in applied geoscience and fundamental research, while fostering a supportive, collaborative environment that supports faculty success.

UGA has been a top-20 public university in the U.S. for nine consecutive years (U.S. News and World Report), with internationally recognized faculty and student-centered teaching. Athens, Georgia has a pleasant climate with resources of nearby Atlanta, the Georgia mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean within a few hours’ drive. Athens supports a small-town vibe with cosmopolitan influences on music, sports, outdoor recreation, and fine dining. Expert healthcare, community spirit, and a low cost of living is why Athens has been considered, “South’s best college town”, “Coolest small towns in America”, and “Best music cities to live in.”.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.

College / Unit / Department website :

https : / / geology.uga.edu /

Posting Type : External

Employment Type : Employee

Benefits Eligibility :

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date :

08 / 01 / 2026

Job Posting Date : 11 / 19 / 2025

Open until filled : Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2026, and will continue until filled. Required applicant documents include a CV, cover letter, teaching and research philosophy statements, and a list of 3 references with contact information. For questions, please contact search committee chair Dr. Doug Crowe at dcrowe@uga.edu .

Location of Vacancy :

Athens Area

EEO Statement :

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement :

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653 .

Classification Title :

Open Rank

Faculty Rank :

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type : Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status : Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications :

Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in geology, geophysics, Earth science, or a related field.

Position Summary :

The Department of Geology (geology.uga.edu) in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for two tenure-track positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with a focus on critical mineral resources. We especially seek applicants in the areas of Economic Geology or Geophysics.

These positions will strengthen our long-standing expertise in economic geology and geophysics and will serve as a foundation for transformative, interdisciplinary research across the University and beyond. UGA is committed to expanding research capacity and partnerships in these strategic areas, offering new faculty the opportunity to shape the future of geoscience innovation in the southeast and across the nation. Candidates for both positions are expected to establish a funded research program that advances their scientific fields through peer-reviewed publications, industry partnerships, and connections to governmental agencies. The successful applicants are expected to play a key developmental role in UGA initiatives, which aim to produce the next generation of scientists to address mineral and energy-related resource issues. Graduate (MS and PhD) and undergraduate (BS) teaching and research advisement are critical, and the successful applicant will be expected to engage at all levels.

Economic Geology The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research projects focused on understanding the formation, exploration, and production of critical minerals deposits and to teach Economic Geology and Exploration Techniques in both classroom and field settings. Integration of field, laboratory, and modeling techniques associated with investigating these systems will be viewed favorably. UGA has multiple extant core analytical research facilities ( https : / / research.uga.edu / core-facilities / ), and the candidate is expected to collaborate with these centers and develop new technologies as needed. The successful applicant will have access to the Gilles Allard Collection, one of the largest Economic Geology collections in the world ( https : / / digitalcollections.franklin.uga.edu / pages / allard ).

Geophysics

The successful candidate will teach Geophysical Exploration Techniques and related classes in their area of expertise in specific ore deposit types, including the application of IP, resistivity, and EM techniques to improve our ability to find and responsibly produce such resources. Integration of field, laboratory, and modeling techniques associated with investigating these systems will be viewed favorably. Applicants will be expected to conduct research projects focused on the development and application of geophysical techniques to the exploration, assessment, or characterization of critical mineral deposits. Integration of field, laboratory, and modeling techniques associated with investigating these systems will be viewed favorably.

Additional Requirements :

Applicants must have academic credentials commensurate with the promotion and tenure guidelines at the University of Georgia. These guidelines can be found at https : / / provost.uga.edu / faculty-affairs / promotion-tenure / .

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies :

The candidate must demonstrate a strong record in ore deposit-related research associated with critical mineral resources.

Geophysics candidates must have demonstrated expertise in specific ore deposit types, including the application of IP, resistivity, and EM techniques to improve our ability to find and responsibly produce such resources. The candidate must demonstrate a strong record in geophysical exploration techniques for critical mineral resources.

Is this a Position of Trust? :

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? :

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) :

No

Credit and P-Card policy :

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy :

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .