Job Openings
Faculty Position - Solid Earth Sciences
Description
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Boston College invites applications for a faculty position in the field of Solid Earth Sciences. Faculty within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences conduct research spanning all aspects of the Earth system to explore and elucidate the processes that shape our evolving planet and its environments. Our collective expertise and ongoing research efforts have led to a number of research strengths, particularly in the areas of (1) climate change, paleoclimate, and global biogeochemical cycles; (2) surficial processes, geomorphology, and ecosystems; (3) geophysics and earthquake seismology; and (4) geodynamics and tectonic processes. We seek qualified candidates whose research interests will complement these existing areas of strength and expand opportunities within our department in the broadly defined area of Solid-Earth Processes.
We are particularly interested in a new colleague whose work includes, but is not limited to, the formation and evolution of igneous and metamorphic systems, experimental mineralogy/petrology, thermodynamic modeling, rock/mineral physics, structural petrology, economic geology of critical minerals, carbon sequestration and geothermal energy systems, and/or the origin and evolution of Earth through geologic time. The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, which resides within the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, has numerous state-of-the-art facilities, scientific staff, and faculty expertise available as potential resources for the successful candidate, including TIMS and isotope ratio mass spectrometers, LA-ICPMS and clean laboratory facilities, a field-emission SEM with EDS, EBSD, and CL detectors, and AMS instrumentation for determining magnetic fabrics. The university also maintains a sizable computer cluster. Applicants whose research has the potential to utilize and enhance existing facilities and infrastructure are particularly encouraged to apply.
We anticipate filling this position at the assistant-professor level. However, exceptional candidates who were recently tenured and hold the rank of associate professor will also be considered. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous externally funded research program that includes mentoring of doctoral and master’s students, as well as undergraduate student research. Excellence in teaching within Earth and Environmental Sciences at the undergraduate and graduate levels of the curriculum is also expected of the candidate, with the ability and willingness to teach courses related to their field of expertise. The candidate should have research interests complementary to those of the current faculty in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research integrates field-based observation, experimental methods, the energy transition, computational data science and programming, and/or coupled human-natural systems. We also value a candidate whose research program, methods, and applications cross traditional disciplinary boundaries in the sciences, thereby having the potential to also conduct innovative research within the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society at Boston College. Additional information on the department and the Schiller Institute can be viewed at http://5pjk.dos5.net/eesciences and http://5pjk.dos5.net/bc-web/centers/schiller-institute.html.
Successful candidates for our faculty positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in their research, teaching, and service work. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds and we strongly encourage applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups in the sciences.
Qualifications
All candidates must have a PhD in the Earth sciences or a related field at the time of appointment.
Application Instructions
Application packages must include a cover letter, a statement of research interests, a statement of teaching philosophy, a statement of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and names and contact information of three references.
Review of applications will begin on October 15th, 2024. Candidates will be evaluated based on their vision for (1) developing a vigorous, externally funded research program, (2) excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, and (3) a level of service appropriate for their rank. We expect to conduct first-round video-call interviews in December, and on-campus interviews with finalist candidates in early 2025.
Inquiries may be directed to Prof. Seth Kruckenberg, Search Committee Chair (seth.kruckenberg@dos5.net), or Prof. Noah Snyder, Department Chair (noah.snyder@dos5.net).
Director, Center for Isotope Geochemistry
Description
The Director, Center for Isotope Geochemistry oversees the daily operation and general oversight of the Center for Isotope Geochemistry, with locations including primary space in the Devlin building, and the new annex lab space in 245 Beacon Street. These labs include the Metal-Free Clean Room, two Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometers (Phoenix), two Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers (Delta V and MAT253), Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (RESOlution laser and Agilent 8900 QQQ), and other associated instrumentation, with responsibilities including calibration, maintenance and trouble-shooting, and user training and support (including of external users). In addition, the Director may be asked to help support other research equipment in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).The Director will also be responsible for participation in strategic planning for the facility, and instrument procurement, including through external shared instrumentation grants. The Director will participate in regular consultation with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, and key faculty stakeholders, including the Faculty Advisory Committee for the facility.Responsibilities will include oversight of the facility operating budget, analysis of utilization, prioritization, and potentially calculation of cost basis for services, and recharge rate setting. The Director will be involved in supervision of an Assistant Director (whose focus will be on the IRMS and ICPMS facilities) and assist undergraduate and graduate students from Boston College and outside institutions as they conduct research in the Center for Isotope Geochemistry. This position reports to the Executive Director, Research Infrastructure & Operations, under the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.
Full-Time Equivalent Hiring Range: $92,300 to $115,400; salary commensurate with relevant experience.
Requirements
The Director should have at least five years of experience in isotope geochemistry including in a Clean Room and with TIMS. A doctoral degree in Earth Science, Geochemistry, Chemistry or a related field is preferred. One to three additional years of postdoctoral experience in laboratory geochemistry or a related field is highly desirable. One or more years of experience in managing a geochemical laboratory is highly desirable.
Occasional out of hours availability required in case issues emerge with instruments or users. Must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Postdoc in Coastal Processes Modeling
The Boston College Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher in coastal processes modeling, to be supervised by professors Mark Behn and Noah Snyder. We seek an individual with a recent PhD and strong background in quantitative geomorphology, sediment transport, coastal processes, geodynamics, math and physics, and/or computer modeling. This individual will join a team of researchers at Boston College studying sediment erosion, transport, and deposition in rivers, reservoirs and coasts. The postdoctoral position will involve the formulation, development, and analysis of numerical models to explore how climate and land-use change over the next decades to centuries will influence hydro-eco-geomorphic processes in estuaries, salt marshes, reservoirs and adjacent environments. Experience with Delft3D or similar models is desirable. This position is funded for 1.5 years. To apply please email a CV, a cover letter outlining research experience and goals for the position, and the names of three references to mark.behn@dos5.net and noah.snyder@dos5.net. Feel free to reach out to either of us with questions. Depending on the goals of the postdoctoral researcher, the position could also include teaching a course for undergraduate and/or graduate students. Mentoring in research project management, proposal writing, teaching, and academic service will be important parts of this position. Review of applications will proceed as they are received. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department and BC, and we specifically seek individuals from underrepresented groups.
Boston College conducts background checks as part of the hiring process.
Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university that strives to integrate research excellence with a foundational commitment to formative liberal arts education. We encourage applications from candidates who are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. Boston College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected category including disability and protected veteran status. To learn more about how BC supports diversity and inclusion throughout the university, please visit the Office for Institutional Diversity.