Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Geology - Geophysicist

CSU Careers • San José, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Geology Department at San José State University is seeking an Assistant Professor in Geophysics beginning in August 2026. The ideal candidate will have research interests and expertise in seismology, tectonics, geodynamics, and geophysical exploration. Teaching duties will include undergraduate and graduate courses in geophysics. The department is located in an area with many research and collaboration opportunities, including with the USGS. SJSU's Geology Department offers unique programs like a BS in Computer Science & Geology and an MS in Computational Geoscience, aimed at students interested in geophysical approaches. The department emphasizes hands-on student experiences in a collegial environment. SJSU values institutional excellence and is committed to advancing equity, serving a diverse student population including many first-generation and Pell Grant recipients. As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), SJSU aims to create inclusive learning environments that foster transformation, mutual learning, skill-building, and knowledge exchange for all students. Applicants are encouraged to submit a Statement of Institutional Excellence detailing how their experiences 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.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population, as demonstrated through cross-cultural study, training, teaching, or 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

• Teach undergraduate and graduate coursework in geophysics and other courses, including service courses, as needed by the department.
• Develop and maintain a program of research in geophysics.
• Pursue internal and external funding for research projects.
• 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 a mentor, advisor, instructor, and MS committee member.
• Participate in shared governance, including 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.
• Comply with mandated reporter requirements under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.
• Complete Clery Act training and report Clery incidents as required for Campus Security Authorities (CSAs).
• Complete assigned CSU employee training (e.g., Data Security, FERPA, Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX, Health and Safety).

Benefits

• Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule.
• Competitive faculty employee benefits for the higher education sector.
• Details about the CSU’s excellent benefits package are available in the CSU Employee Benefits Summary.

What This Job Offers

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