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Work Location: School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, LSU Campus, East Baton Rouge Parish - Baton Rouge, LA 70803. 

Position Description: Full-time 12-month, tenure track position with a 65% Research and 35% Teaching appointment. The successful candidate will develop a research and teaching program in soil microbiology and microbial ecology, and water quality of cropping systems. Research activities will focus on bioremediation of fertilizer nutrients in the agricultural environment and contaminated soils, mitigation of pathogenic organisms in waterways, nitrogen cycling, carbon sequestration and residue management, transformations of cellulose and oils, and chemical and enzymatic degradation. Additional research activities include identifying microorganisms responsible for microbial transformations, and pathways of microbial processes in the soil-water-environment. Cooperation is expected with faculty at LSU AgCenter research stations and extension specialists on testing and implementation of best management strategies of cropping systems. Results of research should be published in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific/technical publications. 

Participation in interdisciplinary research with teams of scientists on broad state and national agricultural research problems is expected. Extramural funding to support the research program must be secured from federal and state agencies, commodity (state and national) research boards, and appropriate agriculture industries. Participation in regional, departmental and campus committees is expected as a faculty member in a land grant university. Continued education development through association with professional societies and attendance at national and international conferences will be required. The incumbent is expected to perform other tasks that may be assigned by supervisor(s) and work cooperatively with other LSU AgCenter faculty. 

Teaching responsibilities include directing M.S. and Ph.D. matriculating graduate students in the area of soil microbiology/ecology of cropping systems. The candidate is expected to teach an upper division (4000-level) course in Microbial Ecology and Nutrient Cycling in Soils and a graduate level course in Advanced Soil Microbiology/Microbial Processes. Leadership in the development of an additional team-taught course at the graduate level is encouraged. Additional responsibilities include serving on departmental and College of Agriculture committees. This faculty member will report to Dr. David Picha, Director of the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.  

Qualification Requirements: A Ph.D. degree is required in Soil/Environmental Microbiology or a closely related field. Experience in production agriculture is highly desirable. Willingness and ability to work closely with others and to conduct research at LSU AgCenter research stations is expected. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Development of scholarly (peer-reviewed) articles and educational curricula/programs for appropriate publications/journals and other outlets, including LSU AgCenter numbered publications, is expected for professional development.  

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.  Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. 

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process. 

Application Deadline: July 10, 2024, or until a suitable candidate is identified. 

Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and two letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:  

Dr. David Picha, Director  

School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences 

Email: dpicha@agcenter.lsu.edu 

Phone: (225) 578-1032 

Web Site:  www.lsuagcenter.com 

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.