Assistant / Associate / Full Professor Faculty Position in Hydrology

The Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences ( SESS) in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics ( NSM) at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) is searching to fill one (1) open-rank tenure-system faculty position in the focus area of Hydrology and Environmental Earth Science, to support our research and teaching programs in Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences. Sustainable earth systems science includes all aspects of the complex nonlinear dynamic interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, with an emphasis on sustainable processes and practices for societal benefit.

The appointment may be at the level of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. Preference will be given to candidates applying for Associate or Full Professor positions. The appointee must have a relevant PhD degree and the demonstrated potential to achieve (at the Assistant level) or have achieved (at the Associate and Full Professor levels), a significant record of research, external grant funding, and scholarly publications in top-ranked refereed journals.

The Hydrology and Environmental Earth Science position requires leading expertise in surface and groundwater fluid flow, plus computational modeling and inversion; preferred experience includes aqueous geochemistry, contaminant flow and monitoring, field and lab experiments, and related environmental earth science and climate science. A research program is preferred that combines both fundamental science ( NSF, etc.) and applied science water resource analysis ( DOE, EPA etc.). The successful candidate will play a significant role in our new BS certificate and degree programs in Sustainable Earth and Environment.

This expected start date for this tenure-system faculty position is August 1, 2026. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate and advanced graduate level courses in the focus areas. A demonstrated ability to integrate a broad range of innovative hydrological and environmental earth science methods in research and teaching is preferred, including quantitative field or laboratory measurements, surface and subsurface investigations, and modern theoretical, computational, and data analysis approaches. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program supported by external research funding. Opportunities exist to collaborate and enhance our current SESS Department strengths in geophysics, geology, energy, water, critical minerals, environment, and climate; all attractive for government and industry research funding, and future student employment opportunities.

The appointment commences for the fall 2026 semester.

Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD or equivalent in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Earth and Environmental Sciences or a related discipline is required prior to employment. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able

to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of

backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Education and Experience: The ideal candidate for this position should have postdoctoral research experience, with demonstrated research expertise and strong track record (or demonstrated potential) for securing external research grant funding.

The Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences is making exciting progress in new research and teaching areas with many recently hired faculty members; the successful search candidate will have a significant opportunity to help shape this new future. The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics provides undergraduate and graduate programs in earth and environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and science/mathematics education, and focuses on empowering future scientists and mathematicians through interdisciplinary programs and opportunities for hands-on, faculty-led research. UT Dallas is a relatively young and rapidly rising Carnegie R1 institution, ranked #17 (Nature) in the world among universities approximately 50 years old, and rated as one of the best universities to work at in the US. UT Dallas attracts highly talented students (>160 National Merit Scholars per year and is situated in the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area which is a national hotspot for economic growth.

Applicants should upload the following:

* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

* Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

* A writing/publication sample.

* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by December 15, 2025. Reviews will continue

until the position is filled or the search is closed on January 15, 2026.

Click here to read more. Questions about the position can be directed to the Search Chair Zachary.Sickmann@utdallas.edu or Dept Head David.Lumley@utdallas.edu.

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is approximately 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 65% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid; and 66% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 48% in Texas and 32% in the nation (2021 TICAS report).

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University's rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirt, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.

The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University's modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.

Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University's location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas - Fort Worth ( DFW) metroplex is rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there's something for everyone. The University's partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ) - a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities - promotes collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

The ideal candidate for this position should have postdoctoral research experience, with demonstrated research expertise and strong track record (or demonstrated potential) for securing external research grant funding.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence
Prepare and teach undergraduate and/or graduate classes
Mentor and/or advise undergraduate and/or graduate students
Establish and/or continue an independent line of research
Continue to expand professional influence in the academic discipline through research and/or publication
Engage in service within the academic unit, the university, and the profession as appropriate based on teaching and research constraints

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.