Assistant Professor of Geosciences; Vertebrate Paleontology

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Dept. of Geosciences seeks innovative, cross-disciplinary candidates for a tenure-track faculty position in Vertebrate Paleontology, with a focus on remains preserved in permafrost. The successful candidate will also serve as Director of the Alaska Quaternary Center (AQC). This is a joint appointment between the College of Natural Science and Mathematics (75%) and the Geophysical Institute (25%).

Faculty positions have a 9 month base appointment with an extension of up to 3 months supported by external funding (if available).

The successful candidate will be expected to teach 3 classes per year in the Department of Geosciences, develop a rigorous externally-funded research program through the Geophysical Institute, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and raise the profile of the AQC through service and outreach activities. We welcome applicants whose research will benefit from and complement our major programs and facilities, including the undergraduate Paleontology concentration, graduate Earth Systems Science program, University of Alaska Museum of the North, AURORA Radiocarbon Lab, and Alaska Stable Isotope Facility.

To thrive in this role, the candidate must design and deliver interactive, place-based undergraduate and graduate courses, establish cross-disciplinary collaborations with Quaternary researchers at state and federal institutes and agencies, and conduct field- and museum-based research. Teaching responsibilities will include stacked graduate/undergraduate courses in Vertebrate Paleontology and Quaternary Paleo ecology and a general education course on life of the Mesozoic. Successful candidates must have skills in student engagement, pedagogical proficiency, and the ability to design and teach courses in person and online.

They must possess the ability to build collaborations with diverse interest groups. The integration of Indigenous perspectives into teaching and research is highly desirable.

This position requires the possession of a PhD in Geology, Paleontology, Earth Science, Geoscience, Earth System Science, or a related field. Teaching and outreach experience is highly desirable, but not required.

A valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha’ campus in Fairbanks, AK. This is a full-time, 9-month base appointment, FLSA exempt faculty position complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

New hires will be offered a competitive salary based on education and experience.

Finalists invited to an on-campus interview/visit will be required to give a both a teaching and a research presentation during the visit. Details will be provided prior. Feedback from faculty, staff and students will be considered in the recommendation to the hiring authority.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sheri Hall, CNSM HR Manager, at sahall5 or

UAF is the historical center of the University of Alaska System and has a diverse mission ranging from housing world‑class research institutes to serving the broad educational needs of interior Alaska. Within this context, the Department of Geosciences offers B.S. degrees in Geoscience, with concentrations in Geology, Paleontology, Geophysics, and Geospatial Sciences, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Earth System Science.

Due to the…