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Assistant Professor Geophysics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor Geophysics information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do assistant professor geophysics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor geophysics in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Geophysics vs Assistant Professor Earth Science?

AspectAssistant Professor GeophysicsAssistant Professor Earth Science
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Geophysics or related fieldPh.D. in Earth Science or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch universities, labs, fieldwork in geophysical methodsResearch universities, labs, fieldwork in earth systems
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, geophysical research centersUniversities, earth science research institutes
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for specialization in geophysical methodsBroader earth science focus, less specialized

Assistant Professor Geophysics typically requires specialized training in geophysical techniques and focuses on research and teaching in geophysical methods. In contrast, Assistant Professor Earth Science covers a broader range of earth systems, with a wider scope in research and teaching. Both roles are common in academic settings but differ in specialization and focus areas.

What does an Assistant Professor of Geophysics do?

An Assistant Professor of Geophysics is an early-career academic who teaches university courses, conducts research, and publishes findings in the field of geophysics. Their responsibilities include developing and delivering lectures, advising students, supervising research projects, and seeking funding through grants. They often specialize in areas such as seismology, geodynamics, or environmental geophysics, and contribute to advancing scientific understanding of Earth's physical processes. Additionally, they may participate in departmental service and collaborate with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Professor of Geophysics, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Geophysics, you typically need a PhD in geophysics or a related field, along with a strong record of research and teaching experience. Technical proficiency with geophysical modeling software, data analysis tools, and GIS platforms is often required, as well as familiarity with publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills are crucial for engaging students and contributing to academic teams. These abilities ensure effective knowledge transfer, impactful research, and strong academic contributions within the university environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an Assistant Professor of Geophysics in balancing research and teaching responsibilities?

Assistant Professors of Geophysics often face the challenge of balancing their time between conducting research, publishing findings, and fulfilling teaching obligations such as preparing lectures, grading, and mentoring students. Managing grant applications and administrative duties can also add to the workload. Developing efficient time-management strategies and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help new professors navigate these demands. Collaboration with other faculty members and integrating research topics into coursework are practical ways to align teaching and research priorities.
More about Assistant Professor Geophysics jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Professor Geophysics jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Professor Geophysics job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Professor Geophysics jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Professor Geophysics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Geophysics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor in Geophysics

Assistant Professor in Geophysics

Stanford Energy

Stanford, CA

$143K - $180K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Stanford University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 552 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant Professor in Geophysics

Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: Doerr School of Sustainability

We invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Geophysics (https://geophysics.stanford.edu/) in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. We welcome applications from any field of geophysics, broadly defined.

The Department of Geophysics is one of seven departments within the Doerr School of Sustainability (https://sustainability.stanford.edu/school/departments). Geophysicists study Earth and planetary processes through laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. The Department of Geophysics is unified through a common interest in physical processes and properties and the collection and use of geophysical data. Our interests span Earth's interior, near-surface, oceans, and atmosphere, as well as planetary science.

The successful candidate will teach courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, advise students, and participate actively in the department and school communities. An overview of our degree programs can be found on our website.

Application materials need to be submitted online at this link. The deadline to submit your application is Monday, October 19, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications must include:
  1. Cover letter
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Contact information for three or more reference letter writers. Also, to ensure that our search process avoids real or perceived conflicts of interest, we require Stanford-affiliated candidates (those who obtained their PhD or completed postdoctoral studies at Stanford) to provide a minimum of four reference letters, with at least three coming from individuals not affiliated with Stanford. 
  4. Research statement (maximum 2 pages)
  5. Teaching statement (maximum 1 page). We encourage applicants to review our degree programs and propose courses that draw upon their research expertise and interests, especially new courses that are complementary to our existing offerings.

The Department of Geophysics, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

The expected base pay range for this position is $143,500 - $180,000. Stanford University has provided a base pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

For general questions regarding this position, please contact the Geophysics Department's Director of Finance and Operations, Ronda Fenton, at dfo-geophysics@stanford.edu.

Advertised: 07 Jul 2026 4:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 20 Oct 2026 12:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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