The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering (MME) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications for a 9-month contract, non-tenure Professor of Practice in Mining Engineering. This position is designed for individuals with substantial industry experience who are eager to share their expertise with students and help shape the next generation of mining professionals.

We welcome applicants from across the mining industry. Candidates with experience in surface and underground mining operations are encouraged to apply, particularly those who have held leadership roles in production, planning, operations, or mine management.

We also place special emphasis on professionals from the aggregate and quarry industry, including those with demonstrated expertise in production, operations, or management. Both general mining and quarry-focused candidates will be considered, and applicants from all areas of mining are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Mentorship

• Design and deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in mining engineering, ensuring students gain both theoretical foundations and practical, industry-relevant skills.
• Mentor and advise students to foster career readiness and professional growth.

Industry & Professional Engagement

• Build strong connections between the department and the mining industry through guest lectures, site-based projects, and collaborative initiatives.
• Engage actively with professional organizations such as SME, NSSGA, or similar societies, encouraging student participation and industry visibility.
• Where appropriate, organize or contribute to industry-focused conferences, workshops, or summits.

Outreach & Workforce Development

• Support departmental outreach, workforce training, and applied research partnerships.
• Help prepare students for leadership roles in both traditional mining and aggregate/quarry operations.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Mining Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of six (6) years of industry experience in mining operations, engineering, or management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ten (10) or more years of progressive industry experience in mining, with demonstrated expertise in production, operations, or management. Relevant experience may be in aggregate and quarry mining, or in open-pit and underground operations.
• A Ph.D. in Mining Engineering or a closely related field.
• Evidence of leadership, mentoring, or workforce development within the mining sector.
• Active engagement in professional organizations such as Society for Mining Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), or similar.

Department Information: The University of Nevada, Reno has a deep-rooted history in mining, dating back 150 years to the Comstock Lode era. The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, has played a central role in the university’s success and Nevada’s economic development. The state, historically known for its gold and silver production, is now a critical player in the sustainable resource sector, boasting seven of the largest lithium deposits in the United States. This positions UNR and the Mackay School at the forefront of modern mining, contributing to the nation's transition toward a sustainable future.

The department remains a hub for students and professionals seeking to advance their careers while shaping the future of responsible resource development. See here for more information: https://www.unr.edu/mining

For more information, and to apply, please visit: https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Professor-of-Practice--Mining-Engineering_R0149638

Application Review: Application review will occur on a rolling basis as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by February 28, 2026. Applications received after this date will also be considered until the position is filled.

This posting is open until filled. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.

EEO/AA. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

About University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno, is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s historic land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 20,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and also earned the Carnegie Community Engagement classification. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory. The University’s main campus is located in Reno, Nevada, immediately adjacent a vibrant and growing downtown region, and has a satellite campus in south Reno. Currently underway is the acquisition of a 20 acres residential campus at Lake Tahoe wh...ich will complement the University’s presence in each of Nevada’s 17 counties. The University is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, which includes two research universities, one state college, four community colleges and an environmental research institute, and endeavors to create and develop strong partnerships with each institution. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world.

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