Assistant Professor, Mining Engineering

About the role

The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications for two full-time, 9-month contract tenure-track faculty positions in Mining Engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. The department, part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, has a 150-year history dating back to the Comstock Lode era and is positioned at the forefront of modern mining, including critical lithium resource development for a sustainable future.

Responsibilities

Teaching

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mine design, mining automation, mine safety, ventilation, blasting, and general mining engineering.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to curriculum development and innovative teaching methodologies, including online or hybrid course delivery.

Research

• Establish a strong, externally funded research program addressing critical challenges in the mining industry.
• Research areas may include, but are not limited to: mine automation and data analytics; mine ventilation and safety; drilling, blasting, and explosives engineering; resource and reserve estimation; and other related mining engineering topics.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments, research institutes, and industry partners.
• Secure research grants and publish findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

Service

• Serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
• Support the department’s strategic initiatives, including program development, accreditation, and community outreach.
• Actively participate in professional societies such as the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME).
• Contribute to journal editorial and peer-review processes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mining Engineering or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in mining automation, data analytics, and related digital technologies.
• A strong research record demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and successful acquisition of external funding.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and industry collaborations.
• Professional experience in the mining industry; Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching with experience in curriculum development and innovative instructional methods.
• Active engagement in professional organizations such as SME.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service.

Benefits

• Health insurance options including dental and vision.
• Generous sick leave, life insurance, and long-term disability.
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center annual or semester membership and family membership options.
• Mountain EAP counseling and advising services for employees and eligible dependents.
• Faculty Senate representation.
• No state income tax.
• Grants-in-aid for faculty employees: reduced-rate tuition for up to six credits per semester; qualified dependents (unmarried, under 24, receiving at least 50% financial support) receive unlimited credits at reduced rate.
• Dual Career Assistance Program for newly hired faculty spouses/partners, providing resources and career opportunity identification in Northern Nevada.

Pay

Compensation Grade: Assistant Professor. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience. For the salary schedule for this 9-month contract Academic Faculty position, visit the UNR Salary Schedules page.

Schedule

Full-time, 9-month contract tenure-track position (100% FTE). Exempt status.

Department information

The University of Nevada, Reno has a deep-rooted history in mining dating back 150 years to the Comstock Lode era. The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, has played a central role in the university’s success and Nevada’s economic development. The state, historically known for gold and silver production, is now a critical player in the sustainable resource sector, boasting seven of the largest lithium deposits in the United States. This positions UNR and the Mackay School at the forefront of modern mining, contributing to the nation's transition toward a sustainable, lithium-powered future. The department remains a hub for students and professionals seeking to advance their careers while shaping the future of responsible resource development. More information: https://www.unr.edu/mining

Contact information

Search Committee Chair: Dr. Behrooz Abbasi, ba@unr.edu. Administrative Contact: Beth Jacobsen, (775) 682-8787, jacobsenb@unr.edu.