Assistant Professor of Subsurface Energy Systems - Department of Geology & Geography

The Department of Geology & Geography at West Virginia University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level in Geology with a specialization in subsurface energy systems starting August, 2026. This is a 9-month, full-time position with full benefits. Candidates with research relevant to the sustainable energy challenges of the 21st century, and candidates whose research and scholarship support WVU's land-grant mission are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Geology and Geography offers two undergraduate degrees (Earth and Environmental Science B.S. and Sustainability Studies B.A.) and 5 graduate degrees (MS and PhD in Geology, MA and PhD in Geography, MS in Geospatial Science) and one graduate certificate program in GIS and Spatial Analysis. Faculty in the Department of Geology and Geography teach thousands of students, maintain highly active externally funded research programs, and provide service to the state, Appalachian region, and the world. The department currently supports 24 faculty, numerous graduate teaching and research assistants, and several graduate fellows.

The Department of Geology and Geography is housed in the extensively renovated Brooks Hall and has licenses to a complete suite of state-of-the-art subsurface analysis software including Petrel and Eclipse with several plugins, Kingdom Suite, VoxelGeo, GeoGraphix, PETRA, Interpex's terrain conductivity and resistivity modeling software, GMSYS (gravity and magnetic modeling), the MOVE suite of structural modeling software, and Halliburton's GOHFER. The department also houses the WV GIS Technical Center. The holder of this position will be a key associate of the WVU Energy Center and have immediate opportunities to collaborate with WVU's long-time partners at the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Lab, located in Morgantown.

Responsibilities

We seek a dedicated educator and an outstanding researcher who focuses on applying geological methods to the origin, structure, and utilization of subsurface resources. The successful applicant will serve as an associate partner of the WVU Institute of Sustainability and Energy Research, with immediate opportunities to collaborate with WVU's long-time partners at the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Labs, located in Morgantown and Pittsburgh. The workload for this position will be 40% teaching, 40% research, 20% service, that includes a teaching load of 2 courses or course equivalents per semester. The successful applicant must demonstrate the potential to teach courses that may include: Log Analysis, 3D Geological Modeling, and/or Machine Learning Applications in Subsurface Geosciences. The candidate will also provide high-quality research guidance, advising, and mentorship to graduate students. The candidate will also be expected to serve the community, university, and profession.

The successful applicant must have: 1) a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Geology, Earth Science or closely related field by time of appointment; 2) research and teaching capabilities in one or more of the following areas: subsurface geology, petrophysics, geophysical applications to energy transition including carbon sequestration, hydrogen storage, geothermal systems and petroleum geology; 3) demonstrated potential for successful teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels; 4) demonstrated potential to secure external funding for research and to publish in peer-reviewed journals; 5) excellent written and oral communication skills; 6) and excellent interpersonal skills.

Applications

To apply, please visit WVU Careers. Upload the following documents: 1) a letter of application; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a research statement; 4) a list of 3-5 references with complete contact information; 5) up to three peer-reviewed publications. The screening process will begin on March 2, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please visit our website at geo.wvu.edu or contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Amy Weislogel at amy.weislogel@mail.wvu.edu.

Morgantown, WV is a growing university city. The area offers abundant outdoor recreation and the cultural opportunities of a college town. It is within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA (70 mi) and is within a day's driving distance to Washington DC and Columbus, OH (200 mi).

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.