Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Geology - Geophysicist

San José State University • San Jose, CA

6d • $103,000 - $107,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Geology Department at San José State University is pleased to announce a search for an Assistant Professor in Geophysics beginning in August 2026. We are seeking a geophysicist with research interests and expertise in topics including seismology, tectonics, geodynamics, and geophysical exploration. Teaching duties will include undergraduate and graduate courses in geophysics. The Geology Department at SJSU is ideally located, providing many nearby opportunities for research and collaborations (e.g., with the USGS). We are also the first CSU campus to offer a BS in Computer Science & Geology and an MS in Computational Geoscience, two new programs intended to attract and support students interested in geophysical approaches. More generally, our department strives to provide hands-on experiences for students in a collegial atmosphere. The Geology Department and San José State University value institutional excellence and are committed to advancing equity through research, teaching, and service. We enroll more than 40,000 students, many of whom are historically underserved; approximately 45% of our undergraduate students are first-generation college students and 38% are Pell Grant recipients. In addition, we are both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). SJSU aspires to create holistic learning environments that facilitate both individual and collective transformation. We seek teacher-scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning, skill-building, and knowledge exchange for all students. Our commitment to lifelong learning supports meaningful connections among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader communities we serve. We invite all applicants to include a Statement of Institutional Excellence (or incorporate it into your cover letter) to share how your lived and professional experiences will contribute to the SJSU community—particularly in relation to student success.

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
• Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching, and other comparable experience.

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• Teaching responsibilities for this position will include undergraduate and graduate coursework in geophysics and other courses, including service courses, as needed by the department. Undergraduate courses may include introductory geology, writing in geology, and field methods. Graduate courses may include a graduate seminar course.
• The candidate will be expected to develop a program of research in geophysics and to pursue both internal and external funding. The candidate must maintain a productive research program, which may consist of collaborative research across the University, with other academic institutions, or other external agencies. Student mentoring is valued in our department, and a successful candidate will mentor and support undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds in conducting research.
• The successful applicant should be prepared to take an active role in the MS graduate programs in Geology and Computational Geoscience, which includes serving as a mentor and advisor to graduate students, instructor in graduate courses, and as an MS committee member.
• The candidate will participate in shared governance, usually in department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Faculty shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• The candidate must demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.

Benefits

• Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule
• Competitive faculty employee benefits for the higher education sector

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree