Application Deadline:

Open until filled. Review of applications begin April 1, 2025.

Position Details:

This full-time faculty position is on-campus and in-person.

The Department of Geological Sciences and the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute (RLEI) at Texas Christian University (TCU) is seeking an exceptional scholar to serve as the Hunter Enis Endowed Chair in Petroleum Geology and Director of Research at RLEI. This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated researcher and visionary leader to shape the future of subsurface science and energy research at TCU and beyond.

This open ranked tenure track/tenured position is central to the department’s strategic mission towards establishing itself as a premier hub for subsurface science while advancing innovations in research, teaching and community engagement to address critical challenges in energy resilience and sustainability.

The successful candidate will:
• Conduct transformative research: Advance cutting-edge research in petroleum geology (broadly defined) while exploring new and emerging intersections with big data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and sustainable subsurface solutions of relevance to energy resilience and security.
• Expand TCU’s reputation in subsurface science: Build interdisciplinary research and educational programs that address global challenges related to emerging energy solutions, positioning the department as a leader in subsurface research.
• Lead research initiatives: As Director of Research at the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute, foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government to drive impactful research and innovation.
• Enhance academic excellence: Inspire and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, preparing the next generation of leaders in geoscience, energy, and sustainability.
• Shape departmental growth: Provide strategic vision and leadership to help elevate the department’s reputation while adding to existing domain knowledge in stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrology, paleontology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, tectonics, and reservoir characterization.
Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should be a collaborative and visionary scholar with:
• A Ph.D. in Geosciences, or a closely related field.
• An internationally recognized record of excellence and publication in research in energy-related subsurface geoscience and its intersections with data-driven technologies and sustainability.
• An exceptional record of ongoing externally funded research
• A commitment to advancing subsurface research that addresses critical global needs in energy resilience and sustainability.
• A proven track record of academic leadership and the ability to establish interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentorship, and engaging diverse student populations.

Department Details:

The Department of Geological Sciences at Texas Christian University (TCU) is committed to fostering excellence and innovation in teaching, research and community engagement. We pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic learning environment where students develop the skillsets and critical thinking needed to 1) understand how earth works and 2) leverage this understanding in solving real-world challenges in energy, water, food and climate. We offer a B.S. in Earth System Science, a B.A. and B.S. in Geology and a M.S. in Geology (thesis or non-thesis options).

Our faculty are passionate teacher-scholars, working closely with students to provide hands-on experiences in the classroom, the laboratories and the field. Field work occurs in geographically diverse regions across Texas and world, allowing students to explore the natural world while applying theory to practice.
Joining the TCU Department of Geological Sciences means becoming part of a collaborative and innovative academic community.

For more information, visit our department website (https://cse.tcu.edu/geology/) or reach out to us via email (geosci@tcu.edu)

School/College Description:

The TCU College of Science & Engineering (CSE) encompasses 10 departments (Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Nutritional Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology) as well the Ranch Management Program, which offers both an undergraduate degree and a one-year certificate program. The College is also home to the Pre-Health Professions Institute, the Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development, the Institute of Behavioral Research, and the Institute for Ranch Management. The College is the second largest at TCU in terms of both undergraduate enrollment and number of majors. CSE contains a disproportionate percentage of high-achieving students, as evidenced by the fact that almost one-half of the students in the Honors College have majors in the College of Science & Engineering. Research opportunities abound for undergraduates, with 46 percent of majors engaging in a substantive experience during which they work one-on-one with their faculty mentor. The College also has five doctoral programs and 16 master’s programs as well as two graduate certificate programs. The College faculty are true teacher-scholars, for whom instruction and research are viewed as complementary activities.

University & Fort Worth Description:

ABOUT TCU

Founded in 1873, Texas Christian University sits on 302 acres nestled in a primarily residential part of Fort Worth, just minutes away from downtown. The University includes seven schools and colleges, in addition to the John V. Roach Honors College and the Burnett School of Medicine.

Currently, TCU enrolls more than 10,200 undergraduates and 1,700 graduate students. Twenty-eight percent of students self-identify as a member of a minority group, five percent are international students, and forty-five percent are from out-of-state. Our students are supported by more than 2,200 faculty and staff. The University has more than 700 full-time faculty members and is a top 100 National University as classified by US News and World Report and has a Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity.

At TCU, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are an educational imperative directly tied to the University mission, vision, and strategic plan. Fulfilling TCU’s mission to develop ethical leaders and critical thinkers in a global community depends on the University’s ability to attract and retain students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. A diverse and inclusive campus leads to innovation, broadened perspective, and understanding—values that are foundational aspects of higher education. For the fourth consecutive year, TCU has earned the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, which highlights ongoing commitment to build a comprehensive DEI strategy that aligns with core values and creates a campus culture where everyone is respected and included.

ABOUT FORT WORTH

Like TCU, Fort Worth has the approachable, friendly charm of a smaller town, but offers the amenities, cultural activities, diversity and unique personality of a much larger city. Fort Worth, Texas, is the 13th largest city in the United States with an ever-growing population nearing 1 million. Fort Worth and TCU have grown together in a nearly 150-year relationship. You’ll find that many Horned Frogs remain here after graduation, thanks to the region’s thriving job market. Fort Worth is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and the number 1 tourist destination in Texas. In 2018, bizjournals.com ranked Fort Worth the 7th most affordable city to live and work in the United States and U.S. News and World Report named Fort Worth one of the Best Places to Live. Fort Worth, Dallas and Arlington all rank among the top 25 most diverse cities in the country.

Fort Worth is known for its vast array of cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities. The city boasts three world class art museums—the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Bass Performance Hall is one of the premier performance venues in the country. Concerts, film festivals and other events are held regularly at Sundance Square, Panther Island and Near Southside venues.

Required Application Materials & Application Instructions:

Applications should include:
• A cover letter outlining your vision for research, teaching, and leadership at TCU, specifically addressing departmental and institute goals in energy, sustainability, and resilience.
• A curriculum vitae detailing your academic and professional accomplishments.
• A statement of research interests and goals, including how your work aligns with the position’s focus areas.
• A statement on teaching philosophy and mentorship.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications begin April 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit application materials by April 1st but the position will remain open until filled. For inquiries, please contact hrtalentaquisition@tcu.edu.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.