Critical Mineral Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
F00799P
Position Title
Assistant/Associate Professor of Critical Mineral Geology
Department
Earth & Environmental Science
Location
Arlington
Job Family
Faculty
Position Status
Full-time
Rank
Tenure-track
Work Hours
Standard
Open to
External and Internal
FLSA
Exempt
Duration
Funding expected to continue
Pay Basis
Monthly
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Job Summary
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the College of Science, at the University of Texas at Arlington, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Critical Mineral GeologyWe will also consider exceptional candidates at the rank of Associate Professor. While candidates from all sub-disciplines of geoscience are encouraged to apply, we are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in understanding the formation mechanisms as well as the petrological and geochemical attributes of sustainable critical mineral resources. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to teach advanced field-based geology and establish an active research program in petrologic, geochemical, and mineralogical characterization. We especially welcome candidates who incorporate modern quantitative frameworks-such as transport and reactive transport modeling, thermodynamic modeling, or data-driven exploration-into sustainable critical mineral research. Our research infrastructure features exceptional analytical capabilities, including the Shimadzu Institute for Research Technologies (housing the Center for Environmental, Forensics, and Material Science) equipped with XRD, XRF, ICP-MS, and EPMA and a departmental ultraclean laboratory. Additional advanced characterization facilities, including the Characterization Center for Materials and Biology, offer access to SEM, TEM, FT-IR spectrometry, and Raman spectroscopy.
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Faculty in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences are expected to maintain an active research agenda by publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, securing competitive external grants, and mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. Competitive start-up packages are provided to help new faculty rapidly establish their research programs.
Excellence in teaching is highly valued. Faculty are encouraged to continually refine their pedagogical methods through campus resources, including UTA's Learning and Development programs and the STEM Education Research Collaboratorium and Resource Center.
Service responsibilities include departmental committee leadership (e.g., graduate admissions, faculty search committees, colloquium series), university governance, and community outreach. Additionally, faculty are expected to contribute to the broader scientific community through peer review, national grant panels, and public engagement.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Geosciences or a closely related field. Candidates will be evaluated based on their research achievements, teaching effectiveness, and professional service, in accordance with University of Texas at Arlington standards.
Assistant Professor Candidates must demonstrate clear potential to establish an independent, externally funded research program in critical mineral geology, supported by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. The ideal candidate will show a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching and M.S. and Ph.D. students mentoring. Postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience is strongly preferred.
Associate Professor Candidates must possess an established track record of research excellence and national visibility in the discipline. Requirements include a sustained record of peer-reviewed publications, a proven history of securing competitive external grant funding (e.g., NSF, DOE, USGS, or industry partners), and documented excellence in university-level teaching. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated record of guiding M.S. and Ph.D. students through to graduation and active participation in university and professional service.
Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral research, national laboratory, or relevant industry experience (strongly preferred for Assistant Professor applicants).
• Demonstrated expertise in combining field geology, laboratory analysis, and data-driven techniques (such as computational modeling or artificial intelligence) to study sustainable critical mineral systems.
• A track record of, or strong potential for, securing external research funding from diverse sources, including federal agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, USGS) and industry partners.
• Proven ability to build interdisciplinary research collaborations spanning geosciences, environmental science, materials science, chemistry, or engineering.
• Experience designing field- or laboratory-based courses that support the Geology curriculum and create synergies with the Environmental Science degree program.
• (For Associate Professor rank) Demonstrated leadership in building collaborative research centers, managing multi-investigator grants, or mentoring early-career faculty.

Special Conditions for Eligibility
Department Information
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/science/departments/ees) at UTA brings together collaborative faculty expertise across key areas including sedimentary geology, geochronology, atmospheric and environmental chemistry, environmental health, climate change, oceanography, tracer hydrology, and hydrogeology. We offer both M.S. and Ph.D. graduate degrees in Earth and Environmental Sciences to prepare students for impactful research and professional careers. The UTA College of Science (COS; https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/science) at UTA drives impactful research and active learning across six core departments. As part of an R1 top-tier research university, UTA COS connects world-class faculty and curious minds to tackle grand scientific challenges and prepare students for leadership in the STEM workforce.
The Shimadzu Institute for Research Technologies (https://shimadzuinstitute.org) at COS is a centralized research resource focused on providing access to instrumentation and expertise to support research in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, cognition, engineering, geoscience, material science, nanotechnology, and neuroscience. The Center for Environmental, Forensics, and Material Science harnesses the power of the most up-to-date technology for the study of major and trace element analysis, contaminant detection, and material structures. Instrumentation includes multiple X-ray platforms and electron microprobe analyzer; atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma emission and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further enhanced by particle size analyzers from the nano- to micro-scale and total organic carbon analyzers. The facility has applications in homeland security, environmental science, geological science, and material engineering.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 "Very High Research Activity" institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times' "Best for Vets: Colleges" and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates' salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 - including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas - UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university's strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
Working Title
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University's compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
09/01/2027
Open Date
09/08/2026
Review Start Date
11/01/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, applicants should go to https://uta.peopleadmin.com/postings/34713 and submit the following materials:
Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter (required max. two pages)
• Contact information for 3 references
• Summary of current and proposed research (required three pages)
• Statement of teaching interests (required max. one page)

ABD will not be considered. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026, and will continue until position is filled.
Questions may be addressed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Majie Fan at mfan@uta.edu.
For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta.