| Job Summary |
Position Description
The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (
NSM) at The University of Texas (UT Dallas) seeks a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as the next Head of the Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences (
SESS). The successful candidate will be a highly accomplished scholar and academic leader who will strengthen SESS's mission of advancing the understanding of Earth and planetary sciences as interconnected, dynamic systems to inform sustainability, resilience, and stewardship of the planet. The research specialty is open, although preference will be given to candidates with expertise that can complement the department's existing strengths.
Reporting to the Dean, the Department Head provides academic, administrative, financial, operational, and strategic leadership for the department; partners with the Dean and university leaders to grow the department's research and educational impact; and helps develop a vibrant, people-centered academic culture that supports the success and professional development of faculty, staff, and students. The Department Head will play a key role in shaping the department's next phase of growth and enhancing its impact in sustainable Earth and environmental science disciplines. They will develop, with input from stakeholders, consensus around a strategic vision and plan for the department that aligns with the strategic priorities of
NSM and of UT Dallas. Likewise, the new Head will build connections to attract opportunities and resources from across the university, supporting a creative research environment, particularly in support of the development of our large cohort of early career faculty.
Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership
The Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences Department Head will:
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Advance a strategic vision for Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences
As the chief academic and administrative leader of the department, the Head will provide academic, administrative, financial, and operational leadership for all aspects of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences, including departmental operations, budget and financial management, faculty and staff oversight, curriculum development, and student success initiatives.
Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners, the Head will advance the department's strategic vision in sustainable Earth systems science and growth areas aligned with
NSM and UT Dallas priorities. Building on the department's strengths, the Head will help identify opportunities for future growth, impact, and distinction while positioning the department to address emerging challenges and opportunities in Earth and environmental systems.
The Head will foster a collegial, collaborative, and people-centered culture that supports excellence across the department's missions of research, education, and service. Faculty, staff, and students seek a leader who will engage the department community, promote shared goals, and cultivate an environment in which all members can contribute to and benefit from the department's success.
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Strengthen research excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration
The Department Head will nurture an environment that supports and advances world-class scholarship and research. They will work with faculty to strengthen research excellence, expand external funding, and support innovative research addressing complex Earth and environmental challenges.
The department's strengths span geology, geophysics, hydrology, geochemistry, biogeochemistry, atmospheric science, Earth and space imaging, and quantitative computational data analysis. The Head will encourage collaboration across these areas while fostering high-impact, convergent research and education that connects expertise across departments, schools, institutions, and communities. We seek candidates who will cultivate partnerships that enhance the department's research enterprise and expand opportunities for faculty and students to engage in transformative scholarship.
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Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding faculty and staff
The recruitment, development, and retention of exceptional faculty and staff will be a central responsibility of the next Department Head. They will guide faculty and staff hiring strategies, resource allocation, departmental investments, and endowments to support current strengths, emerging opportunities, and long-term departmental priorities.
The department seeks a leader who will support faculty development and mentoring across career stages, with particular attention to the success of pre-tenure and non-tenure system faculty. The Head will foster a culture in which faculty are supported in their teaching, scholarship, service, leadership development, and career advancement.
The Head will also provide strong leadership and support for departmental staff, recognizing their critical role in advancing the department's academic and research missions and ensuring opportunities for professional growth and engagement within the department.
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Support excellence in teaching, student success, and educational innovation
The Head will champion excellence in teaching and learning while supporting the continued strength and growth of the department's academic programs. Working closely with faculty and NSM's career services staff, the Head will help ensure that curriculum development remains responsive to evolving scientific knowledge, workforce needs, and student interests.
The Head will prioritize the recruitment and retention of talented undergraduate and graduate students, as well as broader efforts related to holistic student success. As a student-centered leader, the Head will value the perspectives and experiences of students and foster an environment in which all students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
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Build partnerships, enhance visibility, and advocate for the department
The Department Head will serve as a visible and effective advocate for Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences both within the university and beyond. Working collaboratively with
NSM advancement, recruiting, and communications staff, they will articulate the department's distinctive strengths and contributions and work to elevate its reputation among academic, scientific, governmental, industry, and community audiences.
Building and sustaining relationships with government agencies, industry partners, national laboratories, alumni, donors, and interdisciplinary research centers will be essential to expanding research opportunities, student engagement, and external support for the department.
The Head will represent the department to internal and external stakeholders, contribute to school- and university-level service, and work collaboratively with school and university leaders to advance the department's mission and long-term success.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD
or equivalent in earth and environmental science, geology, geophysics, hydrology, climate, sustainable earth systems science, or closely related discipline is required
.An outstanding record of research funding, publications, teaching and mentoring effectiveness encompassing experience supporting graduate education and student development, and service commensurate with appointment as a tenured Full Professor. Exceptional candidates may be offered an Endowed Chair.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We seek candidates who are able to produce research and scholarly achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and can deliver high-quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
Preferred Qualifications and Leadership Characteristics:
The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of most of the following qualifications with the capability and eagerness to quickly bridge any gaps once on board.
* A successful record of leadership and administration gained through department-level leadership, center or program leadership, major project coordination, or comparable experience in academic, governmental, nonprofit, or other complex organizational environments.
* A distinguished record of sponsored research and scholarly achievement, including a deep understanding of the internal and external mechanisms necessary to sustain and expand a vibrant research enterprise.
* The ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with stakeholders, a compelling vision for the future of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences, building upon the department's strengths while advancing emerging opportunities in research, education, and societal impact.
* A commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and broad intellectual engagement, including support for collaborations spanning multiple disciplines engaged in science-intensive and Earth systems-related activities across the university.
* Demonstrated success in building bridges across academic disciplines, research communities, government agencies, industry, and other external partners to expand opportunities for research, education, innovation, and impact.
* Strong relationship-building, communication, and consensus-building skills, with the ability to engage and mentor faculty, staff, and students and to represent the department effectively to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
* The ability to lead through influence, collaboration, and example, coupled with the emotional intelligence to navigate complex organizational environments and bring individuals and groups with different perspectives together around shared goals.
* A demonstrated commitment to people-centered leadership, fair practices, and strengthening departmental culture and community, while fostering an environment in which all faculty, staff, and students can thrive.
* Enthusiasm for fundraising and external engagement, with the ability to cultivate new opportunities for philanthropy, industry partnerships, sponsored research, alumni engagement, and other forms of strategic support.
* The ability to inspire faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to advance the department's priorities and long-term aspirations.
* Personal qualities that include an entrepreneurial spirit, compassion, courage, and unquestionable ethics and integrity.
This position will commence in fall 2027 and will provide a competitive compensation package that includes a nine-month salary plus a Department Head supplement and the potential for an Endowed Chair supplement, with a reduced teaching workload.
The Department of Sustainable Earth System Sciences and School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Earth and space sciences have long been an important foundation of UT Dallas since its original research institute beginnings in 1961. The
Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciencesoffers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in geosciences. The department also offers a FastTrack program, which is designed to accelerate a student's education so that both BS and MS degrees can be earned in approximately five years of full-time study. Led by eight tenure-system faculty, including the current Dean and the Department Head, plus six non-tenure system faculty and three staff, the department supports nearly 100 students across all three levels of study.
SESS is entering an important period of growth, with opportunities to expand environmental science education, strengthen interdisciplinary research within
NSM, advance academic and research convergence across the university, grow faculty and student enrollment, and develop new external partnerships. The department maintains a high-quality, well-funded research program with strong participation from students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and support from federal agencies, industry, and national laboratories. Research expenditures for FY25 were ~$1 million, a roughly 46 percent increase from FY23.
The
School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics has been a crucial anchor of UT Dallas, even before its beginnings in 1969. Its six departments and two research centers continue to play a vital role in the University's transformation to one of the top research institutions in the United States. Asking fundamental questions about the universe and developing responsive tools for global dilemmas creates a powerful engine for our innovations and discoveries. The school boasts approximately 200 faculty members performing in areas ranging in size and diversity from the smallest nano-machines to the great cosmos. Its over 30 programs - several of which are highly ranked by US News and World Report - provide students with hands-on laboratory and project experience in frontier areas of fundamental and applied sciences that promises rich academic experiences and leads to exciting professional opportunities.
The University and Community
UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer 160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, plus undergraduate and graduate certificates. Our student body is around 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 60% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid, and 62% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 49% in all Texas publics and 51% in all national publics (
UT Dallas Fast Facts).
Under the dynamic leadership of President Prabhas V. Moghe, UT Dallas is charting a path built on three strategic pillars - student success, academic and research convergence, and external impact. Guided by the
Roadmap 2030 plan, UT Dallas will accelerate its upward trajectory to become a university of even greater impact and distinction.
UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University's rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirit, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.
The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access
ERG, Military and Veteran
ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University's modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.
Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University's location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas-Fort Worth (
DFW) metroplex is rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there's something for everyone. The University's partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the
Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ) - a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities - promote collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.
Application Instructions
Applicants should upload the following:
* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.
* Statement of leadership background and philosophy (1 page max).
* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
* Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environment.
* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references. One must be from a non-technical staff member under their leadership; the other two must be from at- or above rank faculty and/or academic administrators. These references will be contacted at the shortlisting stage.
Priority will be given to completed applications received by
January 8, 2027. The search will remain open until the position is filled or until it is closed on
March 31, 2027.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University
prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. |
| Preferred Education and Experience |
The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of most of the following qualifications with the capability and eagerness to quickly bridge any gaps once on board.
* A successful record of leadership and administration gained through department-level leadership, center or program leadership, major project coordination, or comparable experience in academic, governmental, nonprofit, or other complex organizational environments.
* A distinguished record of sponsored research and scholarly achievement, including a deep understanding of the internal and external mechanisms necessary to sustain and expand a vibrant research enterprise.
* The ability to create, communicate, and implement, in collaboration with stakeholders, a compelling vision for the future of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences, building upon the department's strengths while advancing emerging opportunities in research, education, and societal impact.
* A commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and broad intellectual engagement, including support for collaborations spanning multiple disciplines engaged in science-intensive and Earth systems-related activities across the university.
* Demonstrated success in building bridges across academic disciplines, research communities, government agencies, industry, and other external partners to expand opportunities for research, education, innovation, and impact.
* Strong relationship-building, communication, and consensus-building skills, with the ability to engage and mentor faculty, staff, and students and to represent the department effectively to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
* The ability to lead through influence, collaboration, and example, coupled with the emotional intelligence to navigate complex organizational environments and bring individuals and groups with different perspectives together around shared goals.
* A demonstrated commitment to people-centered leadership, fair practices, and strengthening departmental culture and community, while fostering an environment in which all faculty, staff, and students can thrive.
* Enthusiasm for fundraising and external engagement, with the ability to cultivate new opportunities for philanthropy, industry partnerships, sponsored research, alumni engagement, and other forms of strategic support.
* The ability to inspire faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to advance the department's priorities and long-term aspirations.
* Personal qualities that include an entrepreneurial spirit, compassion, courage, and unquestionable ethics and integrity. |
University of Texas at Dallas
Negotiable
retirement plan
Oct 09, 2026