Assistant/Associate Professor - Soils Biogeochemistry

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

The Stockbridge School of Agriculture () at UMass Amherst invites applications for a full-time, tenure track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor.

We are looking for a candidate who investigates soil biogeochemical processes and their response to global environmental change. Candidates with expertise in soil carbon sequestration, plant-microbe-mineral interactions, mineral surface dynamics, nutrient cycling through managed and natural systems, and/or emission of greenhouse gases are especially encouraged. We hope to identify candidates who are interested in applying their research questions to a facet of New England ecosystems. We are particularly interested in candidates who combine empirical studies with modeling approaches to understand and predict controlling factors in carbon and nutrient cycling and their links to ecosystem function at local and global scales. A soil biogeochemist with a modeling skill set would augment existing research expertise for the University's growing soils group. The candidate's research focus is expected to complement that of existing faculty members in plant, soil, and microbial sciences, including current research being done by our soil ecologist, soil microbial ecologist, and soil chemist across natural and managed systems.

The person hired is expected to develop an integrated research and teaching program in soil biogeochemistry. This includes establishing an extramurally funded research program in soil biogeochemistry in agricultural and natural soil ecosystems and developing undergraduate and graduate courses in campus and online degree programs. Beyond that, we expect the candidate to strengthen interdepartmental units such as the , the , and the .

Requirements

A PhD in soil science, ecology, biology, biogeochemistry, 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.

Additional Information

Review of applicants will begin February 8, 2022 and may continue until the ideal candidate is identified.

Expected start date of this position is September 1, 2022.

Information for prospective faculty:

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of research interests, (4) statement of teaching philosophy, (5) contact information for three references, and a (6) Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (see below). 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.

The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarship, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations ().

Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Ashley Keiser ().

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.