Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
F01189P
Position Title
Tenure Professor Faculty Position and Department Head for Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences
Functional Title
Tenure Professor Faculty Position and Department Head for Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences
Department
Sustain Earth Systems Science
Salary Range
Negotiable
Pay Basis
Monthly
Position Status
Academic Year
Location
Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date
10/09/2026
Posting Close Date
03/31/2027
Open Until Filled
No
Desired Start Date
08/01/2027
Job Summary
Position Description
The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) at The University of Texas (UT Dallas) seeks a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as the next Head of the Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences (SESS). The successful candidate will be a highly accomplished scholar and academic leader who will strengthen SESS's mission of advancing the understanding of Earth and planetary sciences as interconnected, dynamic systems to inform sustainability, resilience, and stewardship of the planet. The research specialty is open, although preference will be given to candidates with expertise that can complement the department's existing strengths.
Reporting to the Dean, the Department Head provides academic, administrative, financial, operational, and strategic leadership for the department; partners with the Dean and university leaders to grow the department's research and educational impact; and helps develop a vibrant, people-centered academic culture that supports the success and professional development of faculty, staff, and students. The Department Head will play a key role in shaping the department's next phase of growth and enhancing its impact in sustainable Earth and environmental science disciplines. They will develop, with input from stakeholders, consensus around a strategic vision and plan for the department that aligns with the strategic priorities of NSM and of UT Dallas. Likewise, the new Head will build connections to attract opportunities and resources from across the university, supporting a creative research environment, particularly in support of the development of our large cohort of early career faculty.
Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership
The Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences Department Head will:
• Advance a strategic vision for Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences
As the chief academic and administrative leader of the department, the Head will provide academic, administrative, financial, and operational leadership for all aspects of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences, including departmental operations, budget and financial management, faculty and staff oversight, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.
Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners, the Head will advance the department's strategic vision in sustainable Earth systems science and growth areas aligned with NSM and UT Dallas priorities. Building on the department's strengths, the Head will help identify opportunities for future growth, impact, and distinction while positioning the department to address emerging challenges and opportunities in Earth and environmental systems.
The Head will foster a collegial, collaborative, and people-centered culture that supports excellence across the department's missions of research, education, and service. Faculty, staff, and students seek a leader who will engage the department community, promote shared goals, and cultivate an environment in which all members can contribute to and benefit from the department's success.
• Strengthen research excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration
The Department Head will nurture an environment that supports and advances world-class scholarship and research. They will work with faculty to strengthen research excellence, expand external funding, and support innovative research addressing complex Earth and environmental challenges.
The department's strengths span geology, geophysics, hydrology, geochemistry, biogeochemistry, atmospheric science, Earth and space imaging, and quantitative computational data analysis. The Head will encourage collaboration across these areas while fostering high-impact, convergent research and education that connects expertise across departments, schools, institutions, and communities. We seek candidates who will cultivate partnerships that enhance the department's research enterprise and expand opportunities for faculty and students to engage in transformative scholarship.
• Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding faculty and staff
The recruitment, development, and retention of exceptional faculty and staff will be a central responsibility of the next Department Head. They will guide faculty and staff hiring strategies, resource allocation, departmental investments, and endowments to support current strengths, emerging opportunities, and long-term departmental priorities.
The department seeks a leader who will support faculty development and mentoring across career stages, with particular attention to the success of pre-tenure and non-tenure system faculty. The Head will foster a culture in which faculty are supported in their teaching, scholarship, service, leadership development, and career advancement.
The Head will also provide strong leadership and support for departmental staff, recognizing their critical role in advancing the department's academic and research missions and ensuring opportunities for professional growth and engagement within the department.
• Support excellence in teaching, student success, and educational innovation
The Head will champion excellence in teaching and learning while supporting the continued strength and growth of the department's academic programs. Working closely with faculty and NSM's career services staff, the Head will help ensure that curriculum development remains responsive to evolving scientific knowledge, workforce needs, and student interests.
The Head will prioritize the recruitment and retention of talented undergraduate and graduate students, as well as broader efforts related to holistic student success. As a student-centered leader, the Head will value the perspectives and experiences of students and foster an environment in which all students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
• Build partnerships, enhance visibility, and advocate for the department
The Department Head will serve as a visible and effective advocate for Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences both within the university and beyond. Working collaboratively with NSM advancement, recruiting, and communications staff, they will articulate the department's distinctive strengths and contributions and work to elevate its reputation among academic, scientific, governmental, industry, and community audiences.
Building and sustaining relationships with government agencies, industry partners, national laboratories, alumni, donors, and interdisciplinary research centers will be essential to expanding research opportunities, student engagement, and external support for the department.
The Head will represent the department to internal and external stakeholders, contribute to school- and university-level service, and work collaboratively with school and university leaders to advance the department's mission and long-term success.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience: A PhDor equivalent in earth and environmental science, geology, geophysics, hydrology, climate, sustainable earth systems science, or closely related discipline is requiredAn outstanding record of research funding, publications, teaching and mentoring effectiveness encompassing experience supporting graduate education and student development, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured Full Professor. Exceptional candidates may be offered an Endowed Chair.
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 seek candidates who are able to produce research and scholarly achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and can deliver high-quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
Preferred Qualifications and Leadership Characteristics:The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of most of the following qualifications with the capability and eagerness to quickly bridge any gaps once on board.
• A successful record of leadership and administration gained through department-level leadership, center or program leadership, major project coordination, or comparable experience in academic, governmental, nonprofit, or other complex organizational environments.
• A distinguished record of sponsored research and scholarly achievement, including a deep understanding of the internal and external mechanisms necessary to sustain and expand a vibrant research enterprise.
• The ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with stakeholders, a compelling vision for the future of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences, building upon the department's strengths while advancing emerging opportunities in research, education, and societal impact.
• A commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and broad intellectual engagement, including support for collaborations spanning multiple disciplines engaged in science-intensive and Earth systems-related activities across the university.
• Demonstrated success in building bridges across academic disciplines, research communities, government agencies, industry, and other external partners to expand opportunities for research, education, innovation, and impact.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and consensus-building skills, with the ability to engage and mentor faculty, staff, and students and to represent the department effectively to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to lead through influence, collaboration, and example, coupled with the emotional intelligence to navigate complex organizational environments and bring individuals and groups with different perspectives together around shared goals.
• A demonstrated commitment to people-centered leadership, fair practices, and strengthening departmental culture and community, while fostering an environment in which all faculty, staff, and students can thrive.
• Enthusiasm for fundraising and external engagement, with the ability to cultivate new opportunities for philanthropy, industry partnerships, sponsored research, alumni engagement, and other forms of strategic support.
• The ability to inspire faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to advance the department's priorities and long-term aspirations.
• Personal qualities that include an entrepreneurial spirit, compassion, courage, and unquestionable ethics and integrity.
This position will commence in fall 2027 and will provide a competitive compensation package that includes a nine-month salary plus a Department Head supplement and the potential for an Endowed Chair supplement, with a reduced teaching workload.
The Department of Sustainable Earth System Sciences and School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Earth and space sciences have long been an important foundation of UT Dallas since its original research institute beginnings in 1961. The Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciencesoffers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in geosciences. The department also offers a FastTrack program, which is designed to accelerate a student's education so that both BS and MS degrees can be earned in approximately five years of full-time study. Led by eight tenure-system faculty, including the current Dean and the Department Head, plus six non-tenure system faculty and three staff, the department supports nearly 100 students across all three levels of study.
SESS is entering an important period of growth, with opportunities to expand environmental science education, strengthen interdisciplinary research within NSM, advance academic and research convergence across the university, grow faculty and student enrollment, and develop new external partnerships. The department maintains a high-quality, well-funded research program with strong participation from students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and support from federal agencies, industry, and national laboratories. Research expenditures for FY25 were ~$1 million, a roughly 46 percent increase from FY23.
The School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics has been a crucial anchor of UT Dallas, even before its beginnings in 1969. Its six departments and two research centers continue to play a vital role in the University's transformation to one of the top research institutions in the United States. Asking fundamental questions about the universe and developing responsive tools for global dilemmas creates a powerful engine for our innovations and discoveries. The school boasts approximately 200 faculty members performing in areas ranging in size and diversity from the smallest nano-machines to the great cosmos. Its over 30 programs - several of which are highly ranked by US News and World Report - provide students with hands-on laboratory and project experience in frontier areas of fundamental and applied sciences that promises rich academic experiences and leads to exciting professional opportunities.
