Robert W. Hodder Chair in Economic Geology - Open Rank Faculty Position

The Robert W. Hodder Chair in Economic Geology
Department of Earth Sciences
Western University

The Department of Earth Sciences is seeking a candidate for the Robert W. Hodder Chair in Economic Geology, in honour of the late Professor Robert W. Hodder. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (Probationary (tenure-track)), Associate Professor (Probationary (tenure-track) or with Tenure), or Full Professor with Tenure depending on qualifications and experience. The salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate must have a PhD in the Earth Sciences and bring skills and experiences complementary to the Department. The candidate will have an established record of generating ore deposit research and funding, and a history of interaction with the mineral resource sector. The candidate's research should emphasize field work and relating geoscience observations to mineral systems models. Industry collaborative research should be complemented by excellent communication skills and an enthusiasm for teaching and enhancing student education. Candidates with a research focus in ore deposit geology and skill sets that pertain to critical minerals as defined by The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy and/or precious metals will be given priority.

Research in the Department of Earth Sciences at Western falls into the broad themes of Earth and Planetary Systems; Resource Geoscience; Tectonic Processes and Crustal Dynamics; and Earth Evolution: Life, Climate and Environment. The successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain a vigorous, independently funded research program in Economic Geology, and to collaborate with other faculty members in one or more of our research themes. The successful candidate is expected to supervise graduate students at the MSc and PhD levels and to teach broadly-based as well as specialized courses in Economic Geology and related fields, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Evidence of demonstrated effectiveness in leadership, collaboration, and outreach is also highly desirable. This is an exceptional opportunity for a geologist with industry experience to enhance a departmental tradition of field-based teaching and research through engagement of alumni and others active in mineral exploration.

About Western: Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

About the Department: Western's Department of Earth Sciences is a collegial and dynamic department combining cutting-edge academic and applied research with strong mentorship and teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Our graduates can be found in industry, academia and governments across Canada and around the world. Our department currently offers programs for professional registration in Geology, Geophysics, and in Environmental Geoscience. The successful candidate will have access to a high calibre array of modern research and collections facilities such as the Earth and Planetary Materials Analysis Laboratory and the Richard W. Hutchinson Geoscience Collaborative Suite, as well as research facilities at Surface Science Western and the Nanofab Laboratory. More information on our department is available at https://www.uwo.ca/earth/.

About London: The university campus is in London, Ontario, one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada with a population of 422,000, located midway between Toronto and Detroit. With parks, river valleys, tree-lined streets, and bicycle paths, London is known as the “Forest City.” The city boasts an international airport, galleries, theatre, music, and sporting events (https://www.ledc.com/why-london).

A complete application must include the following:
1) a cover letter outlining interest and qualifications for the position
2) a detailed curriculum vitae including publication record, academic and teaching record, awards, scholarships, etc.*
3) a maximum two-page document describing the candidate’s proposed research program
4) a maximum two-page statement describing teaching philosophy, interests and teaching experience including but not limited to University level courses, short courses, field schools, mentorships, training of highly qualified personnel, etc.
5) the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 references - references will be contacted after candidates accept an invitation to Western for an in-person interview
6) Candidates must also complete and submit the Faculty Relations application form: https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf

*Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement, and potential candidates are encouraged to list career disruptions. If feasible, candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact these career interruptions have had.

The application should be submitted as a single PDF file to [email protected], Department of Earth Sciences.

Review of applications will start on February 18, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date is July 1, 2024, but is negotiable.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Kristen Harris at 519-661-3191 or [email protected]

Posted on Faculty Relations website on January 18, 2024.
Posting number:  S-ES-2024-001