Thompson Chair of Geological Sciences - Associate or Full Professor

Position: Thompson Chair of Geological Sciences, an endowed position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure, beginning August 16, 2026.

About the role

The successful candidate will teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, mentor students for M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and conduct a dynamic, externally funded research program in an area of globally significant Earth science relevant to subsurface or sedimentary geology.

Opportunities for teaching and research collaborations exist across UF departments, colleges, and interdisciplinary institutes and centers including the Florida Climate Institute, UF Water Institute, School of Natural Resources and Environment, Thompson Earth Systems Institute, and Land Use and Environmental Change Institute.

The Department of Geological Sciences offers world-class analytical facilities and exceptional computational resources through UF Research Computing HiPerGator.

UF is the state’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land-grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students. It was ranked 7th among public universities by U.S. News & World Report (2025) and 1st among public institutions in the Wall Street Journal 2023 survey.

Location

UF is located in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The area offers year-round outdoor activities, cultural events, highly rated schools, and proximity to major metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville).

Responsibilities

• Teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Mentor students for M.S. and Ph.D. degrees
• Conduct a dynamic, externally funded research program in globally significant Earth science relevant to subsurface or sedimentary geology

Requirements

• PhD in Geological Sciences or related field

Qualifications

Associate Professor candidates

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and research contributions to their discipline
• Teaching effectiveness demonstrated through peer evaluations, instructional materials, student evaluations, supervision of undergraduate research, honors theses, and/or course and curriculum development
• Experience serving on and/or chairing M.S. and Ph.D. committees
• Established research program published in refereed journals and/or nationally or internationally recognized presses and society volumes
• Record of acquisition of major research grants and/or contracts

Full Professor candidates

• Sustained commitment to excellence in teaching and research contributions to their discipline
• All qualifications listed for Associate Professor candidates
• Successful chairing of students through the Ph.D. degree
• International recognition of research, demonstrated through invitations to speak at international professional meetings, awards and honors from professional societies, leadership in large collaborative research initiatives, collaborations with international researchers, participation in international symposia and workshops, and participation on national or international science panels

Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to enhancing and nourishing a culture that supports growth and development of all employees and a climate that allows everyone to do their best work.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: State- and university-sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, including voluntary vision, dental, and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement Options: Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan
• Leave: Generous paid leave plan, access to a sick-leave pool, parental leave, and leave payouts

Pay

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including a full benefits package.