Job Description: The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) seeks a renowned individual for a tenure-track faculty position at the Associate Professor or Full Professor level to lead our Economic Geology program and become the new Director of the Ralph J. Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology. We are looking for individuals with field and lab experience, including research studies related to the genesis, transport, and distribution of metals in the crust, the formation of precious, base, and/or critical mineral and metal deposits, fluid-rock interaction and the circulation of fluids, magmatic and hydrothermal processes, and/or exploration methods. Research must integrate one or more of the following disciplines: economic geology, structural geology, igneous petrology, and geochemistry.
Responsibilities for this position will include: 1) managing the industry-funded, Ralph J. Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology (CREG); 2) research on mineral deposits, focusing on the western US and Nevada’s enormous mineral wealth; 3) education via supervision of graduate students and teaching courses in Economic Geology; 4) serving as a spokesperson for the Economic Geology program at NBMG-UNR, requiring effective communication with the public and community leaders regarding the geology of Nevada and its mineral resources; 5) working independently as well as collaborating with NBMG faculty-staff, other geoscience units at UNR and in the region, and others in industry and government in developing funded projects and conducting research; 6) contributing to the development of datasets and reports on Nevada’s mineral resources; and 7) public outreach and service within the University and community.
The position will be a tenure-track Associate of Full Professor faculty appointment with an academic-year base salary (9 months) that is competitive with other research universities. Starting date will be January 1, 2026 or shortly thereafter, depending on availability of the successful candidate.
Required Qualifications: Interested applicants must have a doctorate in geology or a related geoscience field and a demonstrated record of research on topics associated with mineral deposits as indicated by peer-reviewed publications and/or industry-related reports. Excellent communication skills, as demonstrated in written application materials; public service; potential for, or established record of publications; and ability to attract funding are essential.
Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with: 1) academic or industry experience in analyzing mineral deposits, particularly research that blends both quantitative analytical and field-based approaches; and 2) achievable plans for funded research on Nevada-focused topics in economic geology, as described in the applicant's letter of interest. Additional preferred fields of expertise include: a) precious metals, b) critical mineral, c) base metals, d) magmatic/hydrothermal processes, and/or e) geochemistry.
Department Information: NBMG is a research and public service unit of UNR and serves as the state geological survey of Nevada. Managed as part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering in the College of Science at UNR, NBMG functions as both an academic unit and statewide agency. Its principal scientists are tenure-track faculty members. Nevada is one of the most exciting regions in the world to conduct research in the geosciences and one of the best in the U.S. for the study of mineral deposits. The successful applicant will have access to many state-of-the-art facilities at UNR, including a new electron microprobe, two SEMs, new fluid-inclusion and Raman facilities, and laser ablation ICP-MS. For further information about NBMG, please consult our website (http://www.nbmg.unr.edu).
For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Associate-Professor-or-Full-Professor--Economic-Geology_R0148193
Full Consideration: Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately with an initial review of applications starting September 1, 2025.
This posting is open until filled. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.
EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.