Northern California HERC

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Stanford University and the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the geology and mechanics of rocks and deformation of the Earth's crust. We seek candidates whose research addresses how rocks deform, fracture, flow, and interact with fluids in the upper crust, using field observation as a foundation and quantitative methods, including experimental, numerical, or analytical, to understand the underlying processes.

The department has longstanding strengths in structural geology, geomechanics, and tectonics, and seeks to hire in these areas broadly defined. We welcome applications from candidates working in regional tectonic and structural analysis, structural petrology and metamorphic systems, fault zone mechanics and rock deformation, reservoir and subsurface geomechanics, experimental rock physics and deformation, coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical systems, and the mechanics of magmatic-hydrothermal and mineral resources. Candidates working at the intersection of these traditions, for example, connecting regional structural geology to subsurface fluid systems, or applying geomechanical methods to active tectonic problems, are encouraged to apply.

As a unit within the Doerr School of Sustainability, the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is interested in candidates whose research connects to societally relevant problems, including but not limited to earthquake hazards, subsurface energy systems such as geothermal energy and geological carbon storage, critical minerals, and the mechanical integrity of engineered subsurface systems. We also welcome candidates in more fundamental aspects of structural geology and crustal deformation whose work contributes to these areas through basic scientific insight. Candidates conducting field-based studies and capable of teaching field geology are of interest.

The successful candidate will teach courses in structural geology, tectonics, or related areas at undergraduate and graduate levels, advise students, and participate actively in the department and school communities.

Application materials need to be submitted online at this link. The committee will begin reviewing applications on September 15, 2026. Later applications may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.

Applications must include:

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum vitae

3. Contact information for three reference letter writers

4. Research statement (maximum 2 pages)

5. Teaching statement (maximum 1 page)

The Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, Doerr School of Sustainability, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the
University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

The expected base pay range for this position is $143,500 - $180,000. Stanford University has provided a base pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

For general questions regarding this position, please contact David Havasy at dhavasy@stanford.edu.

About Stanford University

Located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University is recognized as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. Leland and Jane Stanford founded the University to "promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization." Stanford opened its doors in 1891, and more than a century later, it remains dedicated to finding solutions to the great challenges of the day and to preparing students for leadership in a complex world. The University's thriving diverse community is comprised of nearly 7000 undergraduate students, 9000 graduate students, 2000 faculty members, 1900 postdoctoral scholars, and over 11,000 academic and administrative staff in seven schools including several interdisciplinary research centers and institutes. The campus spreads over 8000 contiguous acres and nearly all undergraduates live on campus. Stanford offers bachelor's and master's degrees in addition to doctoral degrees (PhD, MD, DMA and JD) plus a number of professional and continuing education programs and certifications. More at http://facts.stanford.edu and http://www.stanford.edu.

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