[ES_JOBS_NET] Fully-funded Masters in Geology, Kansas State University, Quaternary Science - Luminescence Geochronology

[Joel Spencer]

Master’s Program of Geology, Kansas State University (K-State)
OPEN POSITION
Dr. Joel Spencer<https://www.k-state.edu/geology/about/faculty-staff/current_faculty/Spencer.html> (Associate Professor, Kansas State University) has an open position for a highly motivated student to join the Master’s program<https://www.k-state.edu/geology/academics/graduate/> of Geology in the Department of Geology<https://www.k-state.edu/geology/>. Currently the department only has a position available for a U.S. Citizen. The successful candidate will be supervised by Joel Spencer (joelspen at ksu.edu<mailto:joelspen at ksu.edu>) and will work on a research project in the Quaternary geology and geomorphology science area with an emphasis on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sediment dating methods. The expected start date is beginning of the Fall 2026 semester.
The position is fully funded with a joint Graduate Research Assistantship/Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GRA/GTA) for two years. The GRA/GTA position is a nine-month appointment with stipend of $19,398 per year, including a total tuition remission of up to nine credit hours per fall and spring semesters. In addition to the assistantship position, the department provides a scholarship of not less than $1,000 per semester. The typical duties of the GTA portion will be to teach one section of the introductory geology laboratory course (GEOL 103) or one upper-level lab (e.g., GEOL 520 – Geomorphology) each semester.
RESEARCH
Dr. Joel Spencer is a luminescence dating specialist and has research interests in the timing of earth surface processes in the Late Quaternary. Current projects include: paleoseismic investigation and geohazard assessment of various fault systems; constraint of past and present climatic conditions in megalake, ice sheet, and megadrought environments; and Anthropocene/environmental concerns involving mining/dust hazards and land use/change. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to take advantage of the existing research facilities<https://www.k-state.edu/geology/research/facilities/> at K-State. Interested students should browse Joel Spencer’s publications<https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=90y48hUAAAAJ&hl=en> for more information about his research.
REQUIREMENTS
The Master’s program<https://www.k-state.edu/geology/academics/graduate/> typically includes 2 years of work. Students are expected to have a strong curiosity in science and nature, a passion for a career in geosciences, and excellent communication skills in English. It is desirable that the applicant has prior experiences in geological lab and fieldwork. Previous experience in OSL dating is an advantage but not a requirement, as training will be provided.
Requirements from K-State Graduate School<https://www.k-state.edu/grad/student-success/graduate-handbook/chapter1.html> include a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of coursework. This GPA is based only on courses graded on a multi-level scale, usually A, B, C, D, F.
Students entering the Master’s program are expected to have completed undergraduate courses of science (geology, chemistry, physics) and mathematics (calculus) required for the Geology Bachelor of Science degree at K-State. Specific undergraduate prerequisites include Introductory Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, Structural Geology, Sedimentation and Stratigraphy. Students who did not formally take the above courses are required to make them up at K-State.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Before formally submitting materials to the Graduate School<https://www.k-state.edu/grad/admissions/application-process/>, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Joel Spencer (joelspen at ksu.edu<mailto:joelspen at ksu.edu>) for further information and informal enquiries, and a preliminary review by sending your transcripts and CV. An online meeting may be requested for shortlisted candidates.
The formal application to be considered by the Graduate Faculty of the Geology Department should be submitted to the Graduate School’s online application system. It should include Transcripts, Statements of Interests and Objectives, Statement of Qualifications for Graduate Assistantship, Answers to GRE Replacement Questions, and three Letters of Recommendation. More detailed application information can be found on the K-State websites of the Department of Geology<https://www.k-state.edu/geology/academics/graduate/> and Graduate School<https://www.k-state.edu/grad/admissions/application-process/>.
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Kansas State University<http://www.k-state.edu/> (KSU or K-State) is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in the vibrant college town of Manhattan, Kansas<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan,_Kansas>. It was opened as the state's land-grant college in 1863 and was the first public institution of higher learning in the State of Kansas. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".
K-State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Dr. Joel Q.G. Spencer
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director
Department of Geology, 108 Thompson Hall
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-3201

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