Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor with a specialization in solid Earth geosciences with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. We seek a broadly trained geoscientist who uses field-based approaches to examine fundamental processes in the lithosphere, with links to current and emerging scientific challenges and societal needs, the latter including, but not limited to, critical resources, hazards, and energy. Candidates must have an earned Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences or a closely related field by the date of employment and a publication record in the solid Earth geosciences.

Qualifications

Candidates working across disciplinary boundaries or in emerging areas of the solid Earth geosciences are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have research expertise that contributes to a vibrant department research ecosystem and will show the capability of developing a robust research program that integrates field-based observations with analytical, computational, or experimental approaches. We encourage applications from candidates who would integrate their novel research approaches with an interest in leading and developing experiential learning opportunities for our students, potentially contributing to our nationally recognized field camp. The individual hired will be expected to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in the geosciences within the context of a broad curriculum in Earth and Environmental Sciences, demonstrate a commitment to inclusive teaching and broadening participation in fieldwork, establish an internationally recognized and externally funded research program, participate in departmental, college, and university service, and contribute to inclusion efforts towards A Lehigh for Everyone.

Lehigh’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences examines how the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and life interact to shape the world in which we live. Our research spans observational, experimental, theoretical, and numerical approaches, which we incorporate into field-based, experiential, multidisciplinary education. We seek to instill in our undergraduate and graduate students the skills needed to succeed in life, and this includes engagement with diverse perspectives and people. We also work to enhance earth-science literacy so that individuals and communities can make informed decisions about environmental and resource issues. More information about people and programs can be found at the EES department web pages at https://ees.cas.lehigh.edu/.

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. Recognized among the nation's highly ranked research universities, Lehigh offers a rigorous academic community for over 7,500 students. Lehigh University has some 5,800 undergraduates, 1,800 graduate students, and nearly 600 full-time faculty members. Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, PA, a vibrant and historic area. Over 840,000 people live in the Lehigh Valley, which is in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applications should be received by October 19, 2026. Applicants should submit their materials at online. Candidates should submit a cover letter of no more than 2 pages indicating interest in the position and how your research expertise contributes to our vibrant research ecosystem; a curriculum vitae; a statement of research that describes past scholarly contributions and future research directions; a statement about teaching that describes prior experience, teaching philosophy, and courses that you would want to teach or develop; and a statement on past experience enhancing the success of students of all backgrounds and future plans for Contributions to Lehigh’s Principles of Our Equitable Community (the Lehigh ADVANCE Center’s guide for understanding and preparing such statements is available here). We will request letters of recommendation from qualifying candidates at a later stage of the search. Any inquiries regarding this search should be directed to Prof. Joan Ramage, chair of the search committee, at ramage@lehigh.edu.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national origin (including shared ancestry), pregnancy or related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse academic community and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to this mission. Lehigh University provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including domestic partner benefits, and supports faculty members’ work/life balance.