Associate professor or full professor, economic geology and director of the ralph j. roberts center for research in economic geology (creg)

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or jobs@unr.edu.

Job Description

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) seeks a renowned individual for a tenure-track faculty position at the Associate Professor or Full Professor level to lead our Economic Geology program and become the new Director of the Ralph J. Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology. We are looking for individuals with field and lab experience, including research studies related to the genesis, transport, and distribution of metals in the crust, the formation of precious, base, and/or critical mineral and metal deposits, fluid-rock interaction and the circulation of fluids, magmatic and hydrothermal processes, and/or exploration methods. Research must integrate one or more of the following disciplines: economic geology, structural geology, igneous petrology, and geochemistry.

Responsibilities for this position will include: 1) Managing the industry-funded, Ralph J. Roberts Center for Research in Economic Geology (CREG); 2) Research on mineral deposits, focusing on the western US and Nevada’s enormous mineral wealth; 3) Education via supervision of graduate students and teaching courses in Economic Geology; 4) Serving as a spokesperson for the Economic Geology program at NBMG-UNR, requiring effective communication with the public and community leaders regarding the geology of Nevada and its mineral resources; 5) Working independently as well as collaborating with NBMG faculty-staff, other geoscience units at UNR and in the region, and others in industry and government in developing funded projects and conducting research; 6) Contributing to the development of datasets and reports on Nevada’s mineral resources; and 7) Public outreach and service within the University and community.

The position will be a tenure-track Associate or Full Professor faculty appointment with an academic-year base salary (9 months) that is competitive with other research universities. Starting date will be July 1, 2027, or shortly thereafter, depending on availability of the successful candidate.

Required Qualifications

Interested applicants must have a Doctorate in Geology or a related geoscience field and a demonstrated record of research on topics associated with mineral deposits as indicated by peer-reviewed publications and/or industry-related reports. Excellent communication skills, as demonstrated in written application materials; public service; potential for, or established record of publications; and ability to attract funding are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with: Academic or industry experience in the analysis of mineral deposits, particularly research that combines quantitative analytical methods with field-based approaches. A clear and achievable plan for securing research funding focused on Nevada-related topics in economic geology, as described in the applicant’s letter of interest. Additional preferred fields of expertise include: Precious metals, Critical minerals, Base metals, Magmatic and hydrothermal processes, Geochemistry.

Compensation Grade

Associate Professor, Full Professor

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select (9-month contract) Academic Faculty. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Perks of working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance
• Generous sick leave, life insurance, and long-term disability – Faculty Benefits
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers an annual or semester membership and family membership options.
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments.
• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty.
• No state income tax!
• Grants-in-aid for Faculty Employees
• The University is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents.
• Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

Department Information

NBMG is a research and public service unit of UNR and serves as the state geological survey of Nevada. Managed as part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering in the College of Science at UNR, NBMG functions as both an academic unit and statewide agency. Its principal scientists are tenure-track faculty members. Nevada is one of the most exciting regions in the world to conduct research in the geosciences and one of the best in the U.S. for the study of mineral deposits.

Contact Information

Beth Jacobsen at 775-682-8787 or jacobsenb@unr.edu

Posting Close Date

This posting will close at 12:00 am on the date listed below. The posting will no longer be available to apply to after 11:59 pm the day prior.

Posting Close Date: 11/4/2026