Hunter Enis Endowed Chair in Petroleum Geology and Subsurface Energy Systems

Overview

Final date to receive applications:
Open until filled. Review of applications begin October 1, 2025.

Position Details:
This full-time faculty position is on-campus and in-person. The Department of Geological Sciences at Texas Christian University (TCU) invites applications for the Hunter Enis Endowed Chair in Petroleum Geology, an open-rank (tenure-track/tenured) faculty position. We seek an exceptional and visionary scholar whose research, teaching and thought leadership will advance subsurface geosciences and shape the future of energy and resource development.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct transformative, externally funded research:
  Lead pioneering research in petroleum geology and its evolving intersections with subsurface energy systems, including carbon storage, geothermal energy, hydrogen storage, and critical mineral exploration.
• Research leveraging big data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and digital subsurface modeling is preferred.
• Be expected to secure and maintain extramural funding to support their research program.
• Expand TCU’s reputation in subsurface science:
  Build innovative research and educational programs that address critical global challenges in energy security, resilience, and sustainability, positioning TCU as a leader in forward-thinking subsurface research.
• Enhance academic excellence:
  Inspire and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, preparing the next generation of geoscientists, innovators, and leaders across the evolving energy and environmental sectors.
• Help shape departmental growth and impact:
  Provide strategic vision and thought leadership, complementing existing departmental strengths in stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrology, paleontology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, tectonics, and reservoir characterization.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Geosciences or a closely related field.
• An internationally recognized record of excellence and peer reviewed publication in energy-related subsurface geoscience, with demonstrated integration of emerging data-driven technologies and/or sustainable subsurface applications.
• A strong record of securing and leading federally funded and other externally funded research programs.
• Demonstrated academic leadership and success in building interdisciplinary collaborations.
• A commitment to teaching excellence, mentorship, and engaging diverse student populations.

The Department of Geological Sciences at Texas Christian University (TCU) is committed to fostering excellence and innovation in teaching, research and community engagement. We pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic learning environment where students develop the skillsets and critical thinking needed to
1) understand how earth works and
2) leverage this understanding in solving real-world challenges in energy, water, food and climate. We offer a B.S. in Earth System Science, a B.A. and B.S. in Geology and a M.S. in Geology (thesis or non-thesis options).

Our faculty are passionate teacher-scholars, working closely with students to provide hands-on experiences in the classroom, the laboratories and the field. Field work occurs in geographically diverse regions across Texas and world, allowing students to explore the natural world while applying theory to practice.

Joining the TCU Department of Geological Sciences means becoming part of a collaborative and innovative academic community.

For more information, visit our department website or reach out to us via email.

The TCU College of Science & Engineering (CSE) encompasses 10 departments (Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Nutritional Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology) as well the Ranch Management Program, which offers both an undergraduate degree and a one-year certificate program. The College is also home to the Pre-Health Professions Institute, the Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development, the Institute of Behavioral Research, and the Institute for Ranch Management.

The College is the second largest at TCU in terms of both…