Assistant Professor

Texas A&M University System • El Paso, TX

22h • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M AgriLife Research seeks an outstanding, innovative, and dynamic research faculty member in Nutrition at the rank of Assistant Professor. This appointment will be 12 months, non-tenured, 100% Research, and administratively located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso. In addition, this position will be affiliated with the Department of Nutrition within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. The applicant will work closely with other scientists within the department, Texas A&M University, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research to build a highly impactful, externally funded, nationally recognized, and self-sustainable research program. We are looking for an individual who will develop and maintain a robust research program investigating 1) the influence of various regenerative agricultural/processing techniques and production/processing inputs (e.g., organic, hydroponics, algae treatment, fertilizer treatment, etc.) on the nutritional value of food; and/or 2) consumer preferences and nutrition quality perceptions of food products grown using various regenerative agricultural/processing techniques and production/processing inputs. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso, engaging in soil quality, water conservation, and horticulture research related to local crops such as pecans, pistachios, and peppers. The successful candidate may also work with existing public health nutrition faculty and agricultural economics faculty to study consumer preferences and perceptions.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in a related discipline, such as Nutrition, Epidemiology, Agronomy, Plant Physiology, Agricultural Engineering, Microbiology, Soil Science, Food Science, Molecular and Environmental Plant Science, Public Health, Health Communication and Horticulture.
• Experience conducting research related to “1) the influence of various regenerative agricultural/processing techniques and production/processing inputs (e.g., organic, hydroponics, algae treatment, fertilizer treatment, etc.) on the nutritional value of food; and/or 2) consumer preferences and nutrition quality perceptions of food products grown using various regenerative agricultural/processing techniques and production/processing inputs.”
• Experience developing peer-reviewed publications as first-author.
• Experience communicating research findings to a variety of audiences.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams.
• Valid drivers’ license/ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent ability to work in a multi-discipline research team.
• Ability to lead a research project from idea generation, proposal writing, grant management, and findings dissemination.
• Ability to develop peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent organizational and technological skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong data analysis skills.
• Strong research methodology knowledge.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Prior academic, post-doctoral, or professional experience.
• Experience working with federal agencies or in other multi-agency collaborative settings.
• Modest teaching experience that will enhance graduate student success.
• Modest outreach experience with stakeholder interaction.
• Grant writing experience and evidence of the ability to attract external funding.
• Experience with grant writing to seek and/or obtain external funding.
• Experience working with producers, processors, or consumers to understand their perspectives.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students and/or post docs.

Responsibilities

• Maintains an independent research program that receives competitive internal and external funding.
• Trains and mentors, current and next-generation scientists, including students and Postdocs.
• Publishes in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Develops partnerships and works collaboratively with state and federal agencies, other universities, industry, and other organizations.
• Presents research findings at national and international conferences.
• Serves as an advisor to graduate students and secures external funding to support graduate assistantships.
• Serves on departmental/unit, AgriLife committees, and professional organizations as appropriate.
• Engages in professional development opportunities to maximize knowledge.
• 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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree