Director, Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI)

The University of Memphis College of Arts and Sciences is searching for Director, Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI).  The Director is the administrative head of a Tennessee Center of Excellence (COE) research center that functions as an independent academic unit within the College of Arts and Sciences housing the MS and PhD Concentration in Geophysics of the Earth Sciences graduate program. CERI has academic and research ties with the Departments of Earth Sciences and Civil Engineering. CERI has an additional role as a State of Tennessee entity that is periodically reviewed by the State legislature.  The Center is a core member of the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC).  

The Director’s duties consist of: 

• Organizing Center personnel (faculty, staff, and graduate students) to fulfill University and State of Tennessee mandates for Center functions, including supporting Seismic Network functions, and public Education and Outreach programs.
• Maintaining an academic department administrative structure that furthers development of graduate curricula and programs.
• Creating procedures, such as internal proposal review, to maintain a high level of successful external research programs for the faculty and staff.
• Supervising faculty and staff including annual performance reviews.
• Overseeing Center budgets.
• Maintaining and enhancing CERI’s role within the community, for example, SCEC and IRIS.
• Being an advocate for the Center at the University and with the public.
• Preparing annual reports for the University on Center activities.
• Responding to periodic State “Sunset” reviews every 6 to 8 years.
• Providing scientific guidance for Center programs.
• Responding to public queries on earthquakes and science.
• Maintaining a positive working environment.

Job Specifications 

The successful applicant must have a PhD in the fields of Geophysics or closely related disciplines with a record consistent with appointment at the Professor level; application for tenure occurs immediately on arrival. Previous administrative experience is desirable. The applicant must have a history of and is expected to maintain an externally funded research program, teach graduate courses in their specialty, and mentor graduate students.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  Funds are available for moving expenses and research startup.  The position will begin as early as summer 2023. 

The University of Memphis is located in Memphis, TN, a vibrant, friendly, and affordable major city in the Mid-South. Memphis is home to essential Civil Rights histories as well as multiple healthcare, logistics, and technology headquarters. The city boasts a rich and diverse culture. It is the cradle of both Blues and Rock ‘n Roll and has a strong historical legacy. Also, the city is located near the New Madrid seismic zone and home to an extensive seismic network.  Thus, CERI is uniquely positioned for engagement and industry partnerships. 

Applications for the position should be submitted online through the portal workforum.memphis.edu . Review of applications will begin January 31, 2023. Each application package should include a cover letter expressing interest in the position, a statement of teaching philosophy, a statement of research philosophy, a leadership statement including diversity, name, and contact information for at least five references, and a current curriculum vitae.