Assistant Professor of Soil Science, Rhizosphere Processes The Ohio State University Wooster, OH Assistant Professor of Soil Science – Rhizosphere Processes: 75% Research, 25% Teaching. School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio
Position Description: This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position in the School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) based at the Ohio State University Wooster campus. The faculty member will focus research on the soil-plant-water-animal-human nexus to enhance climate resilience of agroecosystems through adaptation and mitigation strategies that improve resource use efficiency, sustain productivity, restore soil ecosystem services and improve carbon sink capacity. Application due date: December 8, 2017 Position URL: https://www.jobsatosu.com/postings/82259 We are specifically interested in candidates who will conduct research on soil-plant- microbial interactions to address local, regional and national issues in agricultural and environmental sciences. This position aligns with OSU’s Discovery Themes Initiative (discovery.osu.edu), a significant faculty hiring investment in key thematic areas in which the university can build on its culture of academic collaboration to make a global impact. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative transdisciplinary team of over 50 existing faculty and many external partners working toward Resilient, Sustainable and Global Food Security for Health as part of the Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation (InFACT) Discovery Theme. Qualifications: •Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Microbiology or a related field, and extensive experience investigating root-soil interactions in agricultural, natural, or human-impacted landscapes. We seek candidates who are interested in engaging diverse stakeholders across the state and region to work collaboratively toward environmental and agro-ecological solutions. •Research experience using experimental techniques in soil-root systems is required. Expertise in several of these areas is desirable: nutrient biogeochemistry, microbiology, soil carbon dynamics and permanence, soil health methodology and frameworks, application of modeling techniques, and ecosystem remediation and restoration. Candidates should have demonstrated research experience relevant to field-scale management of agricultural and natural ecosystems. •Demonstrated record of interdisciplinary research, working with scientists in chemistry, microbiology, agronomy, plant biology, and/or sociology. •A record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated potential for developing extramural funding are essential. •Experience or demonstrated ability with teaching and mentoring members of underrepresented groups is preferred. Expectations and Responsibilities: •Capacity to develop a nationally recognized research program with emphasis on rhizosphere science, focused on addressing contemporary agricultural and environmental issues at field and landscape scales. •The faculty member will be expected to support existing undergraduate teaching programs and develop a new graduate level course on rhizosphere processes, to mentor and train graduate students, and to advise undergraduate students, including honors students. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to extension and outreach, to actively communicate science-based solutions to the broader community. •Candidates should be interested in contributing to a variety of interdisciplinary teams throughout the School of Environment and Natural Resources and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and in developing strong international focus on major global biomes. •Capacity to work collaboratively with other University faculty/personnel, extension, government agencies, non-government organizations, and citizen groups to advance the land grant mission of the University. Salary/Support: Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. The Ohio State University offers one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the nation, which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; tuition authorization; paid vacation and sick leave; ten paid holidays; and State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Program. A start-up package, including discretionary funding, will be provided. Application: Applicants should send the following materials as a single pdf: i) a cover letter summarizing qualifications, areas of expertise, and experience appropriate to the position, ii) a curriculum vitae that includes a listing of course work in basic and natural sciences, including soil science and agronomy, iii) a statement of research interests and experiences (up to 2 pages), iv) a statement of teaching and outreach philosophy to provide perspective on your approach and experiences with teaching and outreach (up to 1 page), v) three relevant peer-reviewed publications or reports, vi) a list of three references, including complete mailing addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Applicants should email the pdf to: [email protected], Brian Slater and Steve Culman, Search Committee Co-chairs School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road Columbus OH 43210. Applications will be reviewed starting December 8, 2017, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Questions related to the position can be directed to search committee co-chairs at [email protected] and/or [email protected]
