Plant & Wildlife Sciences – CFS Professional Faculty – Environmental Analytical Laboratory Director

Brigham Young University • Provo, UT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Analytical Laboratory (EAL) Director will oversee the EAL, a core research facility within the College of Life Sciences, under the direction of the Plant and Wildlife Sciences Department. The EAL conducts chemical and physical testing on various environmental samples for both internal and external clients. A key focus of the EAL is student mentoring in a client-facing laboratory setting. The Director will also teach 4-5 courses per year in the ESS program, including an undergraduate environmental skills and certifications course, and potentially other courses related to environmental science, soil science, watershed ecology, environmental chemistry, water, and plant science, depending on expertise and departmental needs. The role involves significant managerial duties, including mentoring undergraduate students, serving on graduate committees, developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and quality control systems, managing laboratory equipment, and administering laboratory budgets. Faculty are also expected to participate in departmental, college, and university governance and engage in the intellectual and community life of the university.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree in a field related to environmental science is preferred, although applicants with an M.S. degree and experience as an environmental professional will be considered.
• Required degree must be completed by the start date.
• Teaching experience relevant to the position and the applicant’s career status.
• Experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• Document teaching interests, experience, vision, and how these could strengthen the BYU ESS program.
• Successful candidate will be required to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.
• All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.
• All faculty are required to abide by the university’s Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards.
• Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.

Nice To Haves

• Lab management experience is preferred.
• Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Responsibilities

• Teach 4-5 regular classroom or laboratory courses (12-15 credit hours) per year in the ESS program.
• Mentor students in undergraduate environmental skills and certifications courses.
• Teach other assigned courses based on expertise and need, such as Soil Science, Watershed Ecology, Environmental Policies and Laws, Quantitative Environmental Chemistry, or courses focused on water, plant science, and/or environmental chemistry.
• Serve as Director of the BYU Environmental Analytical Lab (EAL).
• Mentor undergraduate students in the EAL, leading to tangible mentoring products like presentations, abstracts, or papers.
• Serve on graduate committees for students using the EAL for sample processing.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and quality control systems for efficient and scientifically sound analyses.
• Perform routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment and protocols.
• Research, evaluate, recommend, purchase, and install laboratory instrumentation, and oversee its operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Develop and administer laboratory budgets, balancing income with costs (wages, supplies, equipment).
• Identify and pursue income and funding to support the lab's mentoring goals.
• Participate actively in departmental, college, and university governance.
• Engage in the intellectual and community life of the university.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level