Job Description Summary
The Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor – Pedology and Land Use. This position will be a nine-month, tenure-track position with 60% research and a 40% teaching appointment. The projected start date is August 2024.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to engage in cutting-edge research, provide high-quality instruction, and actively participate in outreach and service activities. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research expertise aligns with forms of pedology, hydropedology, geospatial analysis, and digital soil mapping. The candidate should have a strong commitment to addressing critical issues related to land use and sustainable land management in the 21st century. The incumbent will teach ten course credit hours per academic year, including undergraduate soil judging, undergraduate basic soil science, and an upper-level undergraduate/graduate soil morphology course.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct innovative research in pedology, hydropedology, geospatial analysis, and digital soil mapping, emphasizing advancing our understanding of soil-water interactions and their implications for land use planning and management.
- Secure external research funding through competitive grant proposals and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address complex environmental challenges.
- Publish research findings in high-impact journals and disseminate knowledge through presentations at national and international conferences.
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in soil science and related topics, providing a dynamic and inclusive learning experience for students.
- Mentor and advise graduate students, fostering their intellectual and professional development.
- Engage in outreach activities to communicate the importance of soil science and land use to the broader community, including stakeholders in agriculture, environmental science, and policy.
- Participate in departmental and university service, including committee assignments and other leadership roles.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. from an accredited institution in soil science with training in pedology or similar related fields at the time employment begins. Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research in environmental systems resulting in peer-reviewed publications is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research and teaching program. The successful candidate must possess excellent written and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences and connect with students. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the term of employment.
Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
- Cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position
- Current curriculum vita
- Copies of all academic transcripts
- Statement of research interests and accomplishments
- Statement of teaching philosophy and/or accomplishments
When prompted during the on-line process, please provide names, email addresses and phone numbers for three (3) professional references. Only complete applications materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by end of business on November 30, 2023. The search may continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position should be directed to: Dr. Thorsten Knappenberger, Search Committee Chair, email:
knappi@auburn.edu.
