Assistant Professor, Department of Geology

Overview

Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada)

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Appointment

Petrology and Geochemistry

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin October 30, 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 areas of petrology and/or geochemistry in the Department of Geology. The position may commence as early as January 1, 2027, or no later than August 1, 2027. We welcome applications from outstanding candidates whose research is focused broadly on Solid Earth processes, with expertise in one or more areas including igneous and/or metamorphic petrology, volcanology, and geochemistry (with particular interest in research on high-temperature geological systems, including those associated with magmatic, metamorphic, and hydrothermal environments). We are particularly interested in candidates whose research combines field-based investigations, including quantitative field methods, with complementary laboratory, experimental, geochemical, isotopic, and/or computational approaches. We welcome candidates working across traditional disciplinary boundaries within petrology and geochemistry whose expertise will complement and expand existing departmental strengths in critical metal systems and Precambrian geology.

The Department comprises six tenured and tenure-track faculty members within the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies and offers undergraduate programs in Geology, Environmental Earth Science, and Water Science, as well as a Master of Science in Geology. The Department has an established national and international research profile, 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 strong commitment to experiential learning and well-established connections with local industry and government.

Lakehead University has several centralized laboratories supporting research, including the Lakehead University Environmental Laboratory and the Lakehead University Instrumentation Lab. Centralized analytical facilities available to the successful candidate include ICP-OES and ICP-MS, a high-resolution FESEM-EDX system, XPS, TEM, XRD, and µFTIR. The Department also houses a range of microscopy, microanalytical, and field instrumentation, including microscopes with digital imaging capabilities, a fluid-inclusion stage with IR, a SWIR spectrometer, general field equipment, motorized and unmotorized watercraft, and mapping drones. The Department has recently expanded its microanalytical capabilities with a hot/cold cathodoluminescence microscope, a confocal Raman microscope and spectrometer, a microscope-based laser-induced breakdown spectrometer (LIBS), and a µXRF system. Access is also available to high-temperature experimental facilities housed in departmental faculty laboratories, including rapid-quench cold-seal vessels, rocking autoclaves, and various high-temperature furnaces. The Department also has a well-equipped lapidary facility, staffed by two full-time technicians.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Geology or a closely related discipline and have a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. The successful applicant will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in areas including igneous and metamorphic petrology, introductory and advanced geochemistry, and to contribute to departmental field schools. Given the breadth of teaching responsibilities within a small department, the ability and willingness to contribute to courses outside the candidate’s primary area(s) of specialization is expected. Experience with experiential learning and innovative approaches to course delivery is highly desirable. The successful applicant will also be expected to establish an active, externally funded program of research. Other responsibilities include student mentorship and supervision, as well as professional service to the Department, the University, and the broader community.

Compensation

The expected compensation range for this position is:

• Assistant Professor: $88,094 - $133,223
• Associate Professor: $141,099 - $191,099
• Full Professor: $165,341 - $215,341

Salary will be determined in accordance with the collective agreement and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located 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 and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and 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 October 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of ONE (1) PDF document) quoting Reference #SES-2026-27-03 should include: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (including a statement of teaching philosophy, course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously-taught courses), a statement of a research plan (current and future interests), copies of the three most significant publications, and the names and contact information of three references. 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 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.

AI may or may not be used for the screening purposes of this role.

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 a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. 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; 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.