Assistant Professor, Department of Crop, Soils, and Environmental Sciences with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences (DBCAFLS), University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR.
Description: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas invite applications for a 12-month, tenure-track position (75% research, 25% teaching) in the area of water quality.
Research Responsibilities: This position offers the opportunity to provide leadership on research and education activities in environmental and agricultural water quality in Arkansas. An integrative and applied approach to research is expected, working with multidisciplinary teams of research scientists, extension specialists, and stakeholders. Leadership is needed in the development, evaluation, interpretation, and application of new approaches for effective watershed-scale and regional applications of laboratory-, plot-, and field-based research. Research will address problems related to agricultural water quality and related environmental impacts, including, but not limited to, risk assessment and resource management of cropland, grasslands, waterways, and/or forests; irrigation water quality and its relationship to salinity; groundwater quality and quantity; water quality protection in recycled tail-water recovery and reservoir systems; storm water management and the effectiveness of urban management practices such as rain gardens and retention basins; and how to incorporate techniques and integrate systems for improved ecosystem functioning within urban and agricultural landscapes.
Interest in, and demonstrated experience with, physically or statistically based watershed simulation models, such as SWAT, BASINS, and/or SPARROW, would be advantageous. Furthermore, applied research leadership is needed to develop technologies that combine landscape-scale GIS with field-scale expertise currently in place. With all the reservoirs in Arkansas, and in the region in general, and the importance of groundwater to Arkansas agriculture, water quality is a critical research area of need to contribute to improved management and sustainability of Arkansas’ surface and groundwater resources, as well productive agricultural systems.
Candidates should be able to integrate new and novel technologies into their research program. The incumbent will be expected to develop a strong, externally funded, and nationally recognized research program, publish in refereed journals, and train undergraduate and graduate students. The incumbent will be expected to work closely with Extension Specialists to translate research findings into better recommendations to protect valuable water resources and maintain agricultural productivity, such as for irrigation water management. Many opportunities exist at the University of Arkansas to collaborate with nationally recognized scientists and programs. The primary research emphasis will be on applied environmental resources and agricultural water quality. Opportunities for regional cooperation and collaborations through direct contacts with regional colleagues are available and encouraged.
Teaching Responsibilities: The incumbent will have responsibility for teaching an undergraduate/graduate course in water quality (ENSC 4023/5023) with lab (ENSC 4021L/5021L) and teaching at least one additional undergraduate-/graduate-level course on topics in water quality to complement existing curricula, such as watershed ecology or agricultural water chemistry, related to the incumbent’s area of expertise. The incumbent will also be expected to contribute to undergraduate advising in the Environmental, Soil, and Water Science major.
Qualifications: A Ph. D. in a field related to agricultural water quality with training in the impact of land use on water quality. Demonstrated experience in conducting research that integrates basic and applied principles to solve environmental, water, and soil management issues as they interact with vegetative cover, agriculture, and climate across landscapes and regions, in acquiring competitive grant funding, publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, and in developing and presenting outreach and classroom educational programs is expected. Candidates should possess excellent written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with other researchers and clientele groups.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track appointment.
Department: The Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences is one of eight academic departments in DBCAFLS and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, along with the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Resident instruction is provided by 12 faculty members at the Fayetteville campus with approximately 140 undergraduate majors and 60 graduate students. An additional 14 Research and Extension faculty serve clientele at various Research and Extension Centers strategically located around the state. The Department offers Bachelor’s degrees in Crop Science and Environmental, Soil, and Water Sciences along with Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
More information regarding the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, the University of Arkansas, and the surrounding community can be obtained by visiting the website: https://crop-soil-environmental-sciences.uark.edu/.
Application: Applicants should submit the following: 1) Letter of application including a summary of relevant experiences and accomplishments; 2) A vision statement regarding your goals in research and teaching for this position; 3) A detailed vitae including a list of publications, grant proposals written, and a summary of research and teaching activities; 4) Official academic transcripts; and 5) List of three references with mailing and e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Applications should be submitted electronically at https://jobs.uark.edu/postings.
Deadline: Screening of applicants will begin September 1, 2021 and will continue until a qualified candidate is identified.