Universities & Academia

Universities employ geologists to undertake research leading to published papers, and to teach students. Roles usually include a mixture of the two but the proportions of research and teaching vary. 

Some geoscience disciplines are almost entirely academic and research-based, such as volcanology, planetary geology and palaeoclimatology.

However, others, such as structural geology, geochemistry, mineralogy or sedimentology, are more applied and can be linked to industries. Academics in these areas may also develop professional commercial practice (consultancy) outside the university in areas such as Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics, Oil and Minerals Exploration. Some academics gain additional teaching qualifications (such as Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy).

Roles, Geoscience areas and career profiles

There is no limit to the fields you could specialise in other than funding availability.

Some roles in academia include:

Volcanologist	Seismologist
Read career profile	Read career profile
Sedimentology PhD Student	Researcher Development Officer
Read career profile	Read career profile
Palaeontology PhD Student	Organic Geochemist
Read career profile	Read career profile

How to get ahead

• Undertake PhD study as soon as possible
• Publish your work! Try to get your undergraduate or postgraduate dissertations published as abstracts (short summary documents) for conferences – these are probably the easiest way to get published early on. During your PhD, try to publish a few papers with your supervisor about the project. This will enhance your chances in finding post-doctoral placements and lecturing positions in universities.
• Look for research groups whose investigations particularly interest you (many are affiliated with the Geological Society). They advertise projects related to their research interests. Being part of a research group can also help get work published.
• Show you have enthusiasm for research, such as helping as a research assistant during a summer vacation.