Engineering a world of possibilities
The Department of Geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for a tenured associate professor with teaching and research expertise in Earth and energy futures.The successful candidate’s research direction should align with Mines’ Earth 2.0 Initiative for research growth and excellence specifically in experimental rock mechanics and petrophysics with applications to seismology, earthquake physics, glaciology, hydrology, fractured porous media, mineral physics, and safe and sustainable exploration of geo-energy resources. We seek candidates with proven abilities to lead and grow innovative research programs that complement major research initiatives at Mines. Additionally, we seek candidates who can make a strong contribution to our flagship geophysics field program and grow research collaborations with the USGS. A broad, interdisciplinary research portfolio, allowing the successful candidate to contribute to other high-growth Mines research programs is expected.
Successful candidates will be expected to share in our mission to address the challenges of creating a sustainable global society by educating the next generation of geoscientists, engineers, and leaders, and by expanding the frontiers of geoscience knowledge through applied research that integrates theory, computational methods, and experimental and field applications. We highly value applicants with the ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries (on- and off-campus) and secure research funding from a diverse array of sources, including but not limited to industry and federal agencies.
For further information about the position or the Department, please contact the search committee Chair, Professor Jeffrey Shragge at jshragge@mines.edu.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to perform research and teaching effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment within the Department of Geophysics, with internal partner entities at MINES, and with external partners to accomplish the following goals:
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Geophysics or a related field, a proven track record in relevant computational and experimental (laboratory, field) research, teaching, and service, experience in research project leadership and management, and a demonstrated commitment to an inclusive work environment, as well as successful mentoring of graduate students.
Preferred Qualifications
There is preference for a candidate having demonstrated success working on research and/or teaching that integrates multiple geoscience disciplines.
Department Description
The Department of Geophysics focuses on education as well as basic and applied research that addresses problems of global and societal interest. The Geophysics Department has 12 tenured/tenure-track faculty, 77 declared undergraduate majors (53% women, 26% international and minorities), 59 graduate students (29% women, 68% international and minorities), and 10 post-doctoral scholars and research associates (50% women, 50% international and minorities). We maintain a high-quality, well-funded research program (~$4.1 million in annual research awards) that is ranked #5 in Geophysics and Seismology by US News & World Report. Our success and growth is fueled with strong participation from undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and research associates. The Department offers an ABET-accredited B.S. in Geophysical Engineering and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geophysics and in Geophysical Engineering. More information about MINES and the Geophysics Department can be found at mines.edu and geophysics.mines.edu.
About Mines & Golden, CO
When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.
Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).
Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.
At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?
Look to Mines.
Annual Rate
$105,000 - $125,000
Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Academic Faculty positions!
Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.
For this role, that includes:
All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Saturday, May 2, 2026. If you submit your application after this date, it may or may not be considered.
The application must include:
A cover letter expressing interest in the position and highlighting key relevant qualifications.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae including the candidate’s teaching record, research accomplishments, service contributions, funding record, mentoring activities, and community engagement.
A research statement (maximum 3 pgs) describing the applicant’s relevant research experience as well as their vision for future research at MINES.
A teaching statement (maximum 3 pgs) describing the applicant’s relevant teaching experience and how they envision their contribution to teaching excellence at MINES.
Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.
Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.
Equal Opportunity
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.
Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting