Structural Geology Academic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.
The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!
Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.
At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.
The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.
Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Location
Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.
Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.
Job Summary
The Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) Program at the University of West Georgia invites applications for a full-time (9 month) tenure-track Assistant Professor position in applied Structural Geology, set to begin on August 1, 2027. The successful candidate will teach Introductory Geology courses and laboratories and upper-division courses in their specialty and conduct applied research. The EES Program is a supportive, student-centered group of Geology and Geography Faculty with a strong commitment to undergraduate education, experiential learning, and career preparation. We seek a colleague dedicated to excellence in undergraduate teaching, mentoring, and applied, field-oriented research in Structural Geology.
The University of West Georgia is a comprehensive public university located in Carrollton Georgia, one hour west of Atlanta. Carrollton is a vibrant, small-sized city with a relatively low cost of living and high quality of life. The Piedmont province of the southern Appalachian Mountains affords ready access to the Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Coastal Plain provinces, offering diverse field-based research opportunities.
Responsibilities
1:
Teaching undergraduate Introductory Geology lecture and laboratory courses, upper-division courses in Structural Geology, and/or upper-division electives, preferably Engineering Geology and/or Economic Geology in various modalities including online, hybrid, and face-to-face as per program need.
2:
Establishing an independent research program that results in peer-reviewed publications while actively pursuing extramural funding.
3:
Mentoring undergraduate students in independent research projects in structural geology, engineering geology, geologic mapping, or related applied areas.
4 :
Contributing to service activities within the program, college, university, and/or professional community.
Required Qualifications
Required Education:
Ph.D. in Structural Geology or a closely related field by the start date
Required Experience:
Demonstrated commitment to high-quality undergraduate teaching
Evidence of ongoing scholarly engagement, such as peer reviewed publications or conference proceedings, appropriate to the candidate's career stage.
Demonstrated ability to engage undergraduate students in research and experiential or field-based learning
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:
Ability to teach upper-division courses in Engineering Geology and/or Economic Geology, or Hydrogeology
Evidence of collaboration with industry partners in applied structural/engineering geology
Professional Geologist (PG) licensure in the state of Georgia, or demonstrated interest in obtaining licensure
Demonstrated interest in preparing students for professional careers, including preparation for the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination
Proposed Salary
Salary as commensurate with experience.
Required Documents to Attach
Curriculum vitae
Cover letter
Statements of Teaching Philosophy, and statement of Research Agenda
Contact information for three professional references
Review of application materials will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For consideration, please submit materials by March 26, 2026.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge:
Physical Geology, Structural Geology, Engineering Geology
Skill:
Geologic mapping, GIS software, field work, good communication skills
Abilities:
Teaching Structural Geology to undergraduate students
Office Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.
Lifting- Up to 15lbs.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Conditions of Employment
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 West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50)
Other Information
The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.