Employment opportunities

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences invites nominations and applications for faculty, staff and graduate student positions. 

Faculty positions

Assistant/Associate Professor, Environmental Geophysics

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo, invites applications from outstanding scholars and researchers for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. In exceptional cases, an appointment at the rank of Associate Professor will be considered. The salary range at the Assistant Professor rank is $100,000 to $125,000 per year; the salary range for an Associate Professor is $115,000 to 140,000 per year. Starting salaries beyond these ranges will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates. The start date for the appointment can be as early as July 1, 2024.

The successful candidate must have a PhD in earth sciences or a closely related field and a strong track record of scientific achievements, as demonstrated by publications in leading journals, and a proven aptitude for interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate is expected to supervise graduate students and establish an internationally recognized, and independently funded, research program that will enhance and complement the research and education activities of EES. The successful candidate will be eligible for and expected to apply for professional licensure (Professional Geoscientists Ontario or Professional Engineers Ontario).

Teaching responsibilities will include introductory and advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in geophysics, and possibly geological engineering in our various departmental programs. Applicants should have excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to teaching. The University of Waterloo greatly values faculty members who implement innovative learning methods and actively participate in curriculum development.

We are particularly interested in applicants who conduct experimental and/or theoretical
geophysical studies related to near-surface hydrological and (bio)geochemical processes, for example, soil moisture and temperature dynamics, thawing permafrost, groundwater-surface water interaction, and subsurface ecosystems. Areas of application range from the protection and sustainable use of surface and groundwater resources, contaminant fate and transport (including emerging contaminants) and climate change and geohazards.

EES is a research-intensive department with internationally recognized strengths in hydrogeology, environmental (bio)geochemistry, geomicrobiology, ecohydrology, limnology, petrology, structural geology, paleoenvironmental evolution, mineral resource development, and engineering geology. With 27 faculty members and about 100 postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, EES is one of the largest geoscience departments in Canada. The successful candidate will develop strong research synergies within EES and take full advantage of the extensive collaborative opportunities available beyond the department, for example those catalyzed by University of Waterloo’s recent launch of its Sustainability Futures Initiatives.

The closing date for applications is February 29, 2024. Three letters of reference will be requested for applicants invited for an interview. To apply, please send curriculum vitae, cover letter, teaching and research statements and up to 3 examples of published or in press refereed articles to: Dr. Chris Yakymchuk, Chair of Search Committee (electronic submission via klalbrecht@uwaterloo.ca or mail to

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada).

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office (https://uwaterloo.ca/human-rights-equity-inclusion/indigenousinitiatives).

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff.
The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview or workplace accommodation requests, or any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, or eligibility, please contact Lorraine Albrecht, Administrative Assistant (klalbrec@uwaterloo.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo.

Staff positions

Graduate student and postdoctoral opportunities

Please check back soon for the latest postings or visit the University of Waterloo's Human Resources department website for job opportunities.