Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Geology - Geophysicist

About the role

The Geology Department at San José State University is seeking an Assistant Professor in Geophysics with research interests and expertise in seismology, tectonics, geodynamics, and geophysical exploration. Teaching duties will include undergraduate and graduate courses in geophysics. The department is ideally located for research and collaborations (e.g., with the USGS) and offers a BS in Computer Science & Geology and an MS in Computational Geoscience. The department strives to provide hands-on experiences for students in a collegial atmosphere. SJSU enrolls more than 40,000 students, many historically underserved; approximately 45% of undergraduates are first-generation college students and 38% are Pell Grant recipients. SJSU is both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The university seeks teacher-scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning, skill-building, and knowledge exchange for all students.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate coursework in geophysics and other courses as needed, including introductory geology, writing in geology, field methods, and graduate seminar courses.
• Develop a program of research in geophysics and pursue internal and external funding.
• Maintain a productive research program, potentially involving collaborative research across the university, with other academic institutions, or external agencies.
• Mentor and support undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds in conducting research.
• Take an active role in the MS graduate programs in Geology and Computational Geoscience, including serving as mentor and advisor to graduate students, instructor in graduate courses, and MS committee member.
• Participate in shared governance through department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• Demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a diverse student population through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.

Requirements

• PhD in Geology or related field, with an emphasis on Geophysics, by date of appointment.
• Evidence of established scholarly output and a robust research program within the field of Geophysics.
• Demonstrated potential for and dedication to superior instruction and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population, as gained through cross-cultural study, training, teaching, or comparable experience.

Qualifications

• Prior teaching experience, particularly in Geophysics.
• Demonstrated potential to secure external grants to bolster investigative projects and enrich the educational experience of students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Pay

Anticipated hiring academic year annual salary range: $103,000 – $107,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule.

Benefits

Faculty employee benefits are very competitive for the higher education sector; see the CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details.

Schedule

Target start date: August 17, 2027 (position description notes August 2026). Application deadline: November 1, 2026 (applications accepted until filled or closed).

Other details

All SJSU employees are mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. Some faculty duties may lead to designation as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Clery Act, requiring training and immediate reporting of Clery incidents. Faculty must complete assigned CSU training (e.g., Data Security, FERPA, Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX, Health and Safety). The President may require compliance with safety measures to decrease COVID-19 transmission. Work must be performed in the State of California with an on-campus presence. Employment is contingent upon US residence and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Satisfactory background and reference checks (including criminal records and prior employment) are required; a conditional offer may be rescinded if checks reveal disqualifying information or if the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.

Application requires: letter of interest, curriculum vitae, institutional excellence statement (dedicated or in cover letter), statement of teaching interests/philosophy (≤1000 words), research plans (≤1000 words), and names, contact information, roles, and professional relationships for three references (reference letters may be requested later). Inquiries may be directed to Department Chair Manny Gabet at manny.gabet@sjsu.edu. Per California Education Code 89521, applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decision determining sexual harassment within the last 7 years before an offer is extended. Final-stage applicants must sign a release authorizing current/former employers to disclose substantiated allegations of misconduct to the CSU.