Assistant Professor in Natural Resources and Conservation
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 Jun 03, 2025 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in natural resources and conservation practices in agriculture and natural resources. This tenure-track faculty position will be on a 36-week academic year appointment, with 40% Teaching and 60% Research responsibilities. This position has been created to enable student success in interdisciplinary education and lead a nationally recognized research program in the area of natural resources and conservation. Desired expertise includes the effects of climate variability on management and projections of natural resources, including water quality and soil health, in agro-ecosystems. The candidate will teach courses in one of the College's largest majors (Environmental Resource Management, ERM), with courses including, but not limited to: (i) ERM 412 (Resource Systems Analysis; 3 credit hours (lecture+lab and taught in Fall and Spring semesters, required option); (ii) ERM/WFS 450 (Wetland Conservation; 3 credit hours, lecture+lab; required option); potentially (iii) ERM 499A (Foreign Studies/Study Abroad; 3 credit hours, lecture), and other course(s) that the Department Head may ask the candidate to develop and teach [i.e., 100/200 level General Education (Gen Ed) course for the Biological Engineering Undergraduate Major]. The interdepartmental ERM program is one of the most visible and impactful programs in the college and these courses are critical components of the program. Pennsylvania has a significant and diverse agricultural industry with a vast variety of commodities produced; therefore, there is a pressing need for enhancing the workforce development and training of engineering and science students in the areas of natural resources and conservation practices. This position will enhance our capability and capacity to fill this gap, enabling us to train and educate the future generation of natural resources engineers and non-engineering professionals, and helping to meet the demand of Pennsylvania stakeholders, citizens and agricultural professionals to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency considering climate change and variability. A specific emphasis will be on the implications of climate change and variability for implementation/adoption of the best natural resources and agricultural management practices. The successful faculty member will be residing in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (https://abe.psu.edu/). We seek an outstanding candidate with demonstrated interests, ability, and accomplishments in planning, researching, developing, designing and disseminating solutions (through an innovative Research program) in the areas of natural resources, including water quantity and quality and how climate change and variability impact these resources in specialty cropping systems as well as the agronomic row crop agricultural and natural resources. Desired expertise needed includes demonstrated background and expertise (or desire to learn) in implementing agricultural conservation practices in a field and larger scales, soil quality (health) practices; best agronomic management practices that result in high productivity and production efficiency and improved farm net return; implementing soil, water and crop management practices and technologies in production fields, while protecting environmental services. The faculty member is expected to: (i) mentor graduate and undergraduate students in globally diverse, multicultural, transdisciplinary and inclusive research and teaching programs; (ii) develop strong collaborations across campus, Pennsylvania, the region and nationally; (iii) develop new and/or enhance existing collaborations and partnerships with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservice Service (NRCS), USDA-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and other state and federal agency colleagues to partner in conducting need assessments and implementing them into the research program. The successful candidate must have the desire and ability to conduct research, publish refereed journal articles in reputable journals, and seek external grant funding and participate in the national and international professional society functions. Demonstrated ability to function in a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary team environment is a requirement. The person should have demonstrated capability to carry out original, independent, and innovative and nationally visible Research and Teaching programs. The successful candidate is expected to implement Integrity, Honesty, and Excellence into the courses and Research programs and will actively strive to provide an inclusive teaching and learning environment for students. Qualifications: Candidate must have a Ph.D. in agricultural, biological, civil, or environmental engineering, or related engineering and non-engineering fields. High quality Research and Teaching experience in terms of integrating engineering, agroecology, hydrology, agricultural economists, biology, climate science, agronomy, economics, and natural resources is important because the faculty member is expected to interact and provide leadership with teams of engineers; biological, environmental, and plant scientists; agricultural economists; and other physical scientists. The faculty member in this position will also be expected to consider scales of local and regional processes, while maintaining local and global perspectives for addressing solutions. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date. The ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students across Penn State's multi-campus system is required. Effective communication to provide creative leadership and work cooperatively with students, faculty, staff, industry, and state and federal agency partners is paramount. Demonstrated ability to function in a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary team environment is required. The Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) Department: The mission of the ABE department is to promote global sustainability through engineering science, business, and technical management of biological and agricultural systems. In addition to comprehensive transdisciplinary research, extension, and service activities in bioproducts, food, bioprocessing, natural resource engineering, and agricultural systems, the ABE department supports undergraduate and graduate resident education programs in: Biological Engineering (bachelor's), Agricultural and Biological Engineering (MS and Ph.D.), Agricultural and BioRenewable Systems Management (BS), and BioRenewable Systems (MS and Ph.D.), and an interdisciplinary specialization in Environmental Resource Management. For more information about the ABE department, visit www.abe.psu.edu. Application: Apply online at http://www.psu.jobs/. Applications received by July 30, 2025 will receive full consideration, though search and review of applicants will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of Research vision and philosophy, statement of Teaching vision and philosophy and contact information of three references. System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. Questions can be directed to the Search Committee Chair Dr. Cibin Raj (czr58@psu.edu) or Professor and Department Head Dr. Suat Irmak (sfi5068@psu.edu). BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. 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