Assistant Professor Soil Science

Texas A&M University System • Stephenville, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Assistant Professor – Soil Science Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Stephenville, Texas Position Description: Texas A&M AgriLife Research seeks an outstanding, innovative, and dynamic research faculty in Soil Science at the rank of Assistant Professor. This appointment will be 12 months, non-tenured, 75% Research, 25% Extension, and administratively located with the Texas A&M AgriLife Center in Stephenville, Texas. In addition, this position will be affiliated with the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. The applicant will work closely with other scientists within the department, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, to build a highly impactful, externally funded, nationally recognized, and self-sustainable research program that addresses issues facing agricultural producers in Texas related to productivity and sustainability. Qualified candidates should be inter-disciplinary scientists who can use multiple tools and approaches with a desire to advance science at the intersection of soil health with plant production, soil-plant-microbe interactions, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon sequestration. The successful candidate should be prepared to develop and implement an independent research program that contributes to the development of economically viable solutions, secure extramural funding, maintain a consistent publishing record in peer reviewed journals, and build collaborations with research and extension faculty at the Center and throughout the Texas A&M system and other universities. A central component of this position is Extension. The faculty member will engage directly with county extension agents, producers, land managers, and agricultural stakeholders to translate research into practice. They will develop and deliver science-based outreach programs that promote soil health, enhance grazing land productivity, and support the adoption of regenerative practices across various agricultural landscapes. This position will significantly strengthen our research portfolio, amplify our extension impact, and position our unit as a leader in soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science or a closely related discipline completed by the hire date
• Demonstrated experience with production agriculture systems, management practices, and related field activities
• Evidence of strong quantitative skills including data analysis, modeling, or statistical methods
• A record of peer-reviewed publications that reflects the ability to conduct and disseminate original research
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable timeframe

Nice To Haves

• Prior academic, post-doctoral, or professional experience
• Experience securing funding and working with federal agencies or in other multi-agency collaborative settings
• Grant writing experience and evidence of the ability to attract external funding
• Modest teaching experience will enhance graduate student education
• Outreach experience with stakeholder interaction
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellence in verbal and written communication, including relevant publication records
• Team-building skills, collaboration capacity, and project management abilities
• Strong communication skills
• Highly organized
• Professional demeanor
• Ability to multi-task and establish effective working relationships
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System

Responsibilities

• Build an externally funded, nationally recognized, self-sustainable research and extension program that addresses issues facing the agricultural industry in Texas related to productivity and agricultural sustainability.
• Address the researchable issues related to 1) regenerative soil practices; 2) use of microalgae to enhance soil health (this topic will be given special attention); 3) integrated crop and rangeland management to produce forage for domestic animals and wildlife; 4) conservation tillage and crop rotation; 5) soil water management with infiltrated and runoff water quality; and 6) carbon and nutrient cycling. Research will be focused on one or more of the topics listed but will be designed to also evaluate impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and soil health parameters. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports.
• The candidate will support the County Extension Agent network in the Central Extension Region by assisting in extension programs and by training County Extension Agents.
• Provide Extension education programming to area commodity groups and other stakeholders.
• Travels to outdoor field environments, off-campus research sites and collaborating institutions as part of the research program.
• Through active collaboration with allied Extension specialists, support the development and delivery of Extension programs and outreach activities that promote the adoption of innovative soil science practices in the Central Extension Region.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree