Assistant Professor in Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences U-Pb Geochronology in University of British Columbia – Canada

Summary

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in U-Pb Geochronology within the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS). The successful candidate will be an innovative geochronologist with expertise in high-precision U-Pb petrochronological methods applied to solid Earth sciences, including crustal evolution, tectonics, igneous/metamorphic systems, ore deposit genesis, and planetary differentiation. The position offers a salary range of 140,000 – 150,000 CAD per annum, with an expected start date of July 1, 2027. Applicants must hold a PhD in Earth Science or a related discipline and demonstrate a strong research record and vision. Responsibilities include developing an externally funded research program, supervising students, teaching, and contributing to departmental facilities. The application deadline is October 14, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Earth and Ocean Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS)
Position Type	Assistant Professor Tenure Track
Discipline	Earth Sciences
Research Area	U-Pb Geochronology, Petrochronology, Solid Earth Sciences, Crustal Evolution, Tectonics, Igneous and Metamorphic Systems, Ore Deposit Genesis, Planetary Differentiation
Degree Required	PhD in Earth Science or a related discipline
Experience	Postdoctoral research experience is preferred, strong record of research productivity commensurate with experience, hands-on experience with mass spectrometry and geochronological techniques, expertise in electron microbeam techniques.
Salary	140,000 – 150,000 per annum
Funding	Externally funded research program
Contract Duration	Ongoing
Deadline	2026-10-14
Required Documents	Cover letter, Detailed curriculum vitae including list of publications, Research statement (maximum 2 pages), Teaching statement (maximum 2 pages), Diversity statement (1 page), Names and contact information for three referees
Employer Contact	Search Committee at [email protected]; Hazel Evangelista at [email protected]; Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [email protected]

About the Project

The successful candidate is expected to develop an internationally recognized, externally funded research program in geochronology, with a strong integration of mineralogy and petrology. The research should focus on developing and applying high-precision U-Pb petrochronological methods to fundamental questions in solid Earth sciences. This includes problems related to deep-time crustal evolution, tectonic tempos, igneous and metamorphic systems, ore deposit genesis, and planetary differentiation. The candidate will leverage the department's world-class analytical infrastructure, including the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR) and the Electron Microbeam and X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF), and capitalize on existing departmental strengths in tectonics, orebody knowledge, geophysics, and geochemistry. Collaboration within and beyond the department and UBC is encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• 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, the broader UBC community, and with external partners including industry, government, and Indigenous communities

Required Skills

• 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 method development, technical papers, conference contributions
• 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
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry and geochronological techniques (preferred)
• Expertise in electron microbeam techniques (EPMA, SEM-EDS) (preferred)
• Postdoctoral research experience (preferred)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for innovative geochronologists with a PhD in Earth Science or a related field, who have expertise in developing and applying high-precision U-Pb petrochronological methods to fundamental questions in solid Earth sciences. Candidates applying geochronological approaches to problems across hard-rock geology, including crustal evolution, tectonics, igneous and metamorphic systems, ore deposit genesis, and planetary differentiation, are encouraged to apply. A strong record of research productivity, a clear research vision, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion are expected. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will receive special consideration.

Benefits

• Salary range of 140,000 – 150,000 per annum
• Access to world-class analytical infrastructure including Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR) and Electron Microbeam and X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF)
• Opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment with internationally recognized excellence in research and innovative teaching
• Location in Vancouver, consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities, offering access to mountains, ocean, and a vibrant culturally diverse urban environment
• Direct access to the North American Cordillera for field-based research and experiential learning

About the Employer

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the world's leading universities, committed to fostering global citizenship, advancing a civil and sustainable society, and supporting outstanding research. The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS) is Canada's largest and highest-ranked Earth Sciences department, globally ranked 13th. EOAS offers an interdisciplinary environment with excellence in research and teaching across Earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences, fostering a collaborative community. UBC campuses are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected start date for this position?

The expected start date is July 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

What is the salary range for the Assistant Professor position?

The salary range for this position is 140,000 – 150,000 CAD per annum.

What are the primary research areas for this position?

The primary research areas include U-Pb Geochronology and Petrochronology, applied to fundamental questions in solid Earth sciences such as crustal evolution, tectonics, igneous and metamorphic systems, ore deposit genesis, and planetary differentiation.

What analytical facilities are available for research?

The department hosts core analytical facilities including the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR) and the Electron Microbeam and X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF).

Are there any specific preferences for candidates?

Preferred qualifications include hands-on experience with mass spectrometry and geochronological techniques, expertise in electron microbeam techniques (EPMA, SEM-EDS), and postdoctoral research experience.

Who should be contacted for questions regarding the application process?

Questions should be directed to the Search Committee at [email protected].