Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Molecular Soil Ecology

University of Massachusetts Amherst

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description:

We are looking for a candidate who investigates soil ecological processes and their response to global environmental change. We expect the candidate to have developed a strong research program in the research areas of microbial ecology and/or plant-microbe-soil interactions. Candidates who use novel molecular approaches to examine how human activity influences carbon storage, nutrient and water cycles, agricultural production, contaminant fate, or antibiotic resistance in soils are especially encouraged. The candidate’s research focus is expected to complement that of existing faculty members in soil and plant sciences, including plant physiology, ecosystem ecology, microbiology, and environmental (biogeo) chemistry.

The person hired is expected to develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Plant and Soil Science program and to establish an extramurally funded research program in molecular soil ecology in managed and natural soil ecosystems. Beyond that, we expect the candidate to strengthen interdepartmental units such as the School of Earth & Sustainability, the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, and the Institute of Applied Life Sciences.

Requirements:

A PhD in soil science, ecology, microbiology, or closely related fields is required. Post-doctoral experience is preferred. The candidate is expected to provide evidence of research excellence and the ability to teach graduate and undergraduate courses. The department values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and who possess a strong commitment to contributing to the success of historically underrepresented groups. 

Additional Information:

Review of applicants will begin December 20, 2019 and continue until the ideal candidate is identified.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research plan, teaching statement, contact information for three references, and a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals.  These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities.

Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Marco Keiluweit (keiluweit@umass.edu).

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, the College of Natural Sciences seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

Please apply online at the following link: https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/Default.aspx?c=apply&sJobIDs=503367&SourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

 

Application deadline: Open until filled
Start date:
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA