Description
The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS; www.eoas.ubc.ca) in the Faculty of Science at The University of British Columbia (UBC) seeks candidates for an Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, in U-Pb Geochronology, with an expected start date of July 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, and a salary within the range of $140,000-$150,000 per annum.
We seek an innovative geochronologist with expertise in developing and applying high-precision U-Pb petrochronological methods to fundamental questions in the solid Earth sciences. Candidates applying geochronological approaches to problems across the full breadth of hard-rock geology are welcome, including deep-time crustal evolution, tectonic tempos, igneous and metamorphic systems, ore deposit genesis, and planetary differentiation. The successful candidate is expected to leverage the department’s world-class analytical infrastructure and capitalize on existing departmental strengths in tectonics, orebody knowledge, geophysics, and geochemistry. We welcome and expect an openness to research collaboration within and beyond the department and UBC.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Earth Science or a related discipline at the time of appointment and will have made, or show promise of making, impactful petrochronological contributions to our understanding of the rates and timing of solid-Earth processes. Candidates should possess a strong record of research productivity commensurate with their experience and be able to communicate a clear research vision. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a robust, externally funded and internationally recognized research program, successfully supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Earth sciences. Although we recognize that candidates may have varying levels of teaching experience, a willingness to engage in active learning strategies and innovative teaching at the undergraduate level is expected. They will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized.
About EOAS and UBC
EOAS is Canada's largest and highest-ranked Earth Sciences department, ranked 13th globally in the latest QS World University Rankings. It offers a uniquely interdisciplinary environment with internationally recognized excellence in research, innovative teaching, and experiential learning spanning the full breadth of Earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences. EOAS fosters a vibrant, collaborative community that brings together expertise in geology, geophysics, oceanography, atmospheric science, hydrogeology, geological engineering, and environmental science to advance understanding of the Earth system and address complex challenges related to natural resources, natural hazards, climate, and the environment.
UBC’s campuses are located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Syilx (Okanagan) Peoples and of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwmθkwym (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:l and Slílwta/Selilwitulh(Tsleil Waututh) Nations, and within one of the world’s great natural laboratories. Direct access to the North American Cordillera, including active volcanic arcs, deeply exhumed metamorphic complexes, Precambrian cratons, and world-class mineral districts, provides exceptional opportunities for field-based research and experiential learning. Vancouver is a global centre for mineral exploration, with a long history of collaboration between industry and UBC, particularly through the EOAS-hosted Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU). Consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities, Vancouver also offers unparalleled access to mountains, the ocean, and a vibrant, culturally diverse urban environment.
Analytical Facilities
The successful candidate will be expected to leverage core analytical facilities hosted within EOAS in support of their research and teaching activities:
Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR): A flagship facility for isotope geochemistry and geochronology with an extensive suite of instrumentation and experienced technical leadership. Capabilities include single zircon dating via both laser ablation ICP-MS and chemical abrasion–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-TIMS, equipped with a full suite of 1013 resistors); dedicated class-100 clean laboratories to enable ultra-low blank Pb work (<0.2 pg Pb blanks); and a recently installed triple-quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-MS/MS).
Electron Microbeam and X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF): A state-of-the-art facility for micro-analytical characterization of geological and materials samples, featuring scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS capabilities, electron microprobe (EPMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and cathodoluminescence imaging.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Develop and sustain an internationally recognized, externally funded research program in geochronology with strong integration of mineralogy and petrology;
- Supervise and mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers;
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise, as well as broader courses within the EOAS curriculum
- Help sustain and continue to develop PCIGR, including its infrastructure and technical team;
- Engage in departmental, university, and professional service activities;
- Work collaboratively with EOAS faculty and research units (e.g. PCIGR, EMXDF and MDRU (Mineral Deposit Research Unit)), the broader UBC community, and with external partners, including industry, government, and Indigenous communities.
Requirements
Qualifications
- The successful candidate will have:
PhD in Earth Sciences or a closely related field, completed by the time of appointment; - Research focus including igneous and/or metamorphic processes;
- Evidence of excellence in the field of U-Pb geochronology via, for example, method development, technical papers, conference contributions;
- A strong record of research productivity commensurate with career stage, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications;
- Demonstrated ability to attract external research funding, or clear potential to do so;
- Evidence of, or clear potential for, excellence in teaching and student supervision;
- A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically marginalized.
Preferred:
- Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry and geochronological techniques;
- Expertise in electron microbeam techniques (EPMA, SEM-EDS);
- Postdoctoral research experience.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via Academic Jobs Online using the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32504
They should upload a single PDF file that includes:
- a cover letter;
- a detailed curriculum vitae including list of publications;
- a research statement (maximum 2 pages) describing current and future research directions, including how the candidate intends to use EOAS facilities;
- a teaching statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining teaching philosophy and experience;
- a diversity statement (1 page) describing your lived background experience (if comfortable), and your past experience and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body, and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion;
- the names and contact information for three referees.
The closing date for applications is October 14th, 2026. After the applications close, referees will be contacted for those applicants selected for further consideration, and may be asked to provide letters within a three-week time-frame. Initial interviews will be conducted in late-October 2026, with in-person interviews tentatively scheduled for January 2027.
Questions should be directed to the Search Committee at jobs@eoas.ubc.ca.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant’s record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given specialconsideration.
If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Center For Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-or-disability/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.
The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). Confidential accommodations are available on request by contacting Hazel Evangelista at email: hevangelista@eoas.ubc.ca
