Endowed Chair in Geology and Geophysics

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Job Posting Title:

McCord Endowed Chair in Geology and Geophysics

Position Type:

Faculty

Department:

LSUAM Science - Department of Geology and Geophysics (Samuel J Bentley Sr. (00012115))

Work Location:

E0314 Howe Russell Kniffen East Geoscience Complex

Pay Grade:

Academic

Job Description:

The Department of Geology and Geophysics at Louisiana State University seeks an internationally renowned individual to fill the Charles T. McCord Chair in Geology at the rank of Full Professor or senior Associate. This position is fully endowed with dedicated annual research funding.

We seek a distinguished geoscientist in the broad areas of critical minerals energy transition and related systems. Areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to, mineral resources, their genesis, formation, distribution, and characterization. Related subsurface systems may include energy, hydrothermal and fluid-mineral interactions in Earth and Planetary settings. Field and industrial components are welcome.

The successful candidate will represent their field within the LSU Geology and Geophysics department and externally, while contributing to existing and expanding research collaborations. This role includes maintaining a world-class, externally funded research program that elevates the national and international profile of the department and university. Established leadership of interdisciplinary research teams is highly desirable.  The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise.

LSU offers extensive areas for collaboration in critical minerals and materials, energy, engineering, chemistry, physics, environmental science, coastal research, and the newly formed LSU Energy Institute. Analytical facilities available at LSU include an electron microprobe, SEM-EDS/EBSD, XRD, LA-ICP-MS, Raman, XPS, TEM/STEM, micro-CT, clean-lab geochemistry, the LSU Light Source (synchrotron), and high-performance computing for research, including atomistic and thermodynamic modeling.

LSU is a Carnegie R1 research university and a Land-, Sea-, and Space-Grant institution. The Department of Geology and Geophysics offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and includes faculty with broad expertise across the field, experimental, analytical, computational, and theoretical geosciences. The Department has a strong record of research and graduate training, federal and industry-funded research, and an active and supportive alumni network.

Duties Include:
45% Represent their field within the LSU Geology and Geophysics department and externally, while contributing to existing and expanding research collaborations. This role includes maintaining a world-class, externally funded research program that elevates the national and international profile of the department and university.

45% Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Geology and Geophysics and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

10% Contribute professional, departmental, college, and university service and provide leadership appropriate to the holder of an endowed chair.

Minimum Qualifications:
PhD  in Geoscience or a closely related field, a distinguished record of high-impact research, scholarly distinction, and a portfolio of consistent external funding.

A record of nationally and/or internationally distinguished research and scholarship; demonstrated success in research, publication, graduate mentoring, and external funding appropriate to appointment at the senior Associate Professor or Professor level.

Preferred Qualifications:
PhD  in Geoscience or a closely related field with 10 years experience and a substantial record of scientific leadership and high-impact scholarship in areas related to critical minerals; demonstrated ability to develop collaborative scientific research programs; sustained success in obtaining external research support; and excellence in graduate education and mentoring.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and plans, statement of teaching and mentoring plans, and the names and contact information of five references who may be asked to provide letters of recommendation at a later stage. If confidentiality is to be maintained, please inform the Search Chair. Questions about the position may be directed to Jonathan E. Snow, Chair, McCord Search Committee at [email protected] or Lori Bond, Sr. Human Resources Specialist at [email protected].

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

October 6, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

December 31, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: