Assistant Professor in Natural Resources and Conservation

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in natural resources and conservation practices in agriculture and natural resources. This tenure-track faculty position will be on a 36-week academic year appointment, with 40% Teaching and 60% Research responsibilities. This position has been created to enable student success in interdisciplinary education and lead a nationally recognized research program in the area of natural resources and conservation. Desired expertise includes the effects of climate variability on management and projections of natural resources, including water quality and soil health, in agro-ecosystems. The candidate will teach courses in one of the College’s largest majors (Environmental Resource Management, ERM), with courses including, but not limited to: (i) ERM 412 (Resource Systems Analysis; 3 credit hours (lecture+lab and taught in Fall and Spring semesters, required option); (ii) ERM/WFS 450 (Wetland Conservation; 3 credit hours, lecture+lab; required option); potentially (iii) ERM 499A (Foreign Studies/Study Abroad; 3 credit hours, lecture), and other course(s) that the Department Head may ask the candidate to develop and teach [i.e., 100/200 level General Education (Gen Ed) course for the Biological Engineering Undergraduate Major]. The interdepartmental ERM program is one of the most visible and impactful programs in the college and these courses are critical components of the program. Pennsylvania has a significant and diverse agricultural industry with a vast variety of commodities produced; therefore, there is a pressing need for enhancing the workforce development and training of engineering and science students in the areas of natural resources and conservation practices. This position will enhance our capability and capacity to fill this gap, enabling us to train and educate the future generation of natural resources engineers and non-engineering professionals, and helping to meet the demand of Pennsylvania stakeholders, citizens and agricultural professionals to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency considering climate change and variability. A specific emphasis will be on the implications of climate change and variability for implementation/adoption of the best natural resources and agricultural management practices. The successful faculty member will be residing in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering ( https://abe.psu.edu/ ). We seek an outstanding candidate with demonstrated interests, ability, and accomplishments in planning, researching, developing, designing and disseminating solutions (through an innovative Research program) in the areas of natural resources, including water quantity and quality and how climate change and variability impact these resources in specialty cropping systems as well as the agronomic row crop agricultural and natural resources. Desired expertise needed includes demonstrated background and expertise (or desire to learn) in implementing agricultural conservation practices in a field and larger scales, soil quality (health) practices; best agronomic management practices that result in high productivity and production efficiency and improved farm net return; implementing soil, water and crop management practices and technologies in production fields, while protecting environmental services. The faculty member is expected to: (i) mentor graduate and undergraduate students in globally diverse, multicultural, transdisciplinary and inclusive research and teaching programs; (ii) develop strong collaborations across campus, Pennsylvania, the region and nationally; (iii) develop new and/or enhance existing collaborations and partnerships with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservice Service (NRCS), USDA-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and other state and federal agency colleagues to partner in conducting need assessments and implementing them into the research program. The successful candidate must have the desire and ability to conduct research, publish refereed journal articles in reputable journals, and seek external grant funding and participate in the national and international professional society functions. Demonstrated ability to function in a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary team environment is a requirement. The person should have demonstrated capability to carry out original, independent, and innovative and nationally visible Research and Teaching programs. The successful candidate is expected to implement Integrity, Honesty, and Excellence into the courses and Research programs and will actively strive to provide an inclusive teaching and learning environment for students.

Requirements

Candidate must have a Ph.D. in agricultural, biological, civil, or environmental engineering, or related engineering and non-engineering fields.
High quality Research and Teaching experience in terms of integrating engineering, agroecology, hydrology, agricultural economists, biology, climate science, agronomy, economics, and natural resources is important because the faculty member is expected to interact and provide leadership with teams of engineers; biological, environmental, and plant scientists; agricultural economists; and other physical scientists.
The faculty member in this position will also be expected to consider scales of local and regional processes, while maintaining local and global perspectives for addressing solutions.
The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date.
The ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students across Penn State’s multi-campus system is required.
Effective communication to provide creative leadership and work cooperatively with students, faculty, staff, industry, and state and federal agency partners is paramount.
Demonstrated ability to function in a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary team environment is required.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated background and expertise (or desire to learn) in implementing agricultural conservation practices in a field and larger scales, soil quality (health) practices; best agronomic management practices that result in high productivity and production efficiency and improved farm net return; implementing soil, water and crop management practices and technologies in production fields, while protecting environmental services.

Responsibilities

(i) mentor graduate and undergraduate students in globally diverse, multicultural, transdisciplinary and inclusive research and teaching programs
(ii) develop strong collaborations across campus, Pennsylvania, the region and nationally
(iii) develop new and/or enhance existing collaborations and partnerships with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservice Service (NRCS), USDA-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and other state and federal agency colleagues to partner in conducting need assessments and implementing them into the research program.
conduct research
publish refereed journal articles in reputable journals
seek external grant funding and participate in the national and international professional society functions

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

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