Assistant Professor, Area of Petrology

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Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada)
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Appointment
Petrology and Geochemistry
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin January 12, 2026
Department of Geology
Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
Reference # SES-2026-27-03

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for one tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the general area of petrology (igneous and metamorphic) and geochemistry in the Department of Geology. The position may commence as early as August 1, 2026, or no later than January 1, 2027.

The Department is home to six tenured and tenure-track faculty members in the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Geology, Environmental Earth Science, and Water Science. It has a well-established national and international research reputation with strengths in economic geology, geochemistry, petrology, structural geology, tectonics, early Earth ocean-atmosphere-terrestrial systems, and biogeochemistry. We are a small department with a dynamic focus on experiential learning and have strong connections with local industry and government. Lakehead University has several centralized labs to support research, including the Lakehead University Environmental Laboratory, and the Lakehead University Instrumentation Lab. Centralized instrumentation available for the successful candidate’s use includes ICP-OES and MS, a high-resolution FESEM-EDX system, TEM, XRD, and µFTIR. Housed within the department are several state-of-the-art microscopes with digital imagers, including a fluid inclusion stage with IR, and assorted other instrumentation and equipment to support field activities (i.e., general field equipment, SWIR spectrometer, motorized/unmotorized watercraft, mapping drones). It is anticipated by the time of the appointment the department will have completed the expansion of microanalytical facility to include hot/cold cathodoluminescence microscope and spectrometer, Raman confocal microscope and spectrometer, a microscope-based laser induced breakdown spectrometer (LIBS), and a µXRF system. In addition, access to high-temperature experimental instruments (rapid-quench cold-seal vessels, rocking autoclaves and various high-temperature furnaces) housed in department faculty labs is possible. Also available to the successful candidate is access to the department’s lapidary facility, which is staffed by two full-time technicians.

We especially welcome applicants with research interests in the broad area of igneous/metamorphic petrology and geochemistry (high-temperature, stable and or radiogenic isotopes), who will take a field-based approach and will augment field observations and data with quantitative analysis, laboratory experiments, and/or computational modeling. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise complementary to existing department strengths in critical metal systems and Precambrian geology.

Qualified applicants must have a Ph.D. in geology and a proven record of excellence in research and teaching. The successful applicant will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in igneous and metamorphic petrology, introductory and advanced courses in geochemistry, and contribute to our field schools. The ability and willingness to teach courses outside of the main area of interest will be considered an asset. Experience with experiential learning or alternative modes of course delivery is highly desired. The candidate will also establish a dynamic and externally funded program of research. Other duties include student mentorship and supervision, and professional service for the department, the University, and the community.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850, and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis, Inuit, and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning, independent critical thinking, and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

For further information, please contact Dr. Andrew Conly, Chair of Geology ([email protected]). Detailed information on the Department is available through the website of the Department of Geology (https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/geology).

Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) quoting Reference # SES-2026-27-03 should include:

• a letter of interest,
• curriculum vitae,
• evidence of teaching effectiveness (including a 1-page statement of teaching philosophy, plus course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously taught courses if applicable),
• a statement of a research plan (2-pages on current and future interests),
• copies of the three most significant publications,
• the names and contact information of three references.
• and a completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form must accompany your package.

Applicants are to submit their electronic application quoting the above reference number to:

Dr. Todd Randall, Dean
Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Email: [email protected]

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing the representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies, and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.

This position is subject to budgetary approval.

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