Assistant Professor in Energy Geoscience

ECS plans to hire an Earth Scientist whose research focuses on Energy. We seek an innovative scholar who will develop a thriving research program using geoscience methods to help advance ongoing transitions in energy production and management, such as geothermal energy, exploration for critical minerals used in energy technologies, geo-based synthesis of next-generation fuels like hydrogen, geologic carbon storage, underground disposal of nuclear waste, and other themes at the energy-environment nexus, including those that relate to climate change. Faculty within ECS benefit from close interdisciplinary collaboration with social science, health science, and environmental science faculty within the Nicholas School and other schools at Duke.

Duke University is a world class research institution that prides itself on interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching and service. Science, policy, and solutions-oriented collaborations with programs outside of the Nicholas School including Engineering, Public Policy or Medicine are encouraged.

Teaching and Advising Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching the equivalent of 2.5 semester-long courses each academic year across a portfolio of fundamental and applied energy and energy and the environment topics. The ability to develop new classes in the research areas outlined above will make an important contribution to NSOE's vibrant Energy and Environment professional master's program and ECS's undergraduate major. The successful candidate will also advise PhD students, professional student Master's Projects, and undergraduate research.

Location:

The position will be located on the main campus of Duke University, fostering direct interactions between the faculty and students. Duke University also maintains the Duke Forest research forest as well as the Duke University Marine Lab.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Application Details

Review of applications will begin October 31, 2026 and continue through December 31, 2026, when the application window closes. Interested candidates should submit the following: a cover letter (with contact information); a curriculum vitae; a three-page research statement that includes a description of past research accomplishments, plans for future research, and their experience and approach to mentoring and supporting a diverse and inclusive research environment; a one-page statement describing their teaching philosophy, previous experiences, future plans for teaching, and experience and approach to fostering an inclusive learning and mentoring environment for their students; and three reference letters. Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in relevant field.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Please note that Duke specifically seeks information about past misconduct or policy violations (in the past ten (10) years) and/or relevant pending investigations as part of the application process. Disclosures will not be an automatic bar to hiring but, instead, will initiate further dialogue regarding past actions and steps taken to address them. Disclosures will not be shared with search committees during the application review process.