Associate Professor in Desert Ecology

Position Summary

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) invites applications for a full‑time faculty position in Desert Ecology at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, to be based in the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. The successful candidate will establish an externally funded research program focused on sustainable agricultural systems in arid and semi‑arid environments. Research areas include soil–plant–microbiome interactions, salinity and drought stress adaptation, soil health and restoration, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas dynamics, climate‑smart agriculture, and ecosystem functioning under extreme conditions.

The role contributes to the Zayed Program for saline agriculture and genetic resource conservation, manages a halophyte gene bank, promotes biodiversity conservation, and leads research on soil rehabilitation, sustainable land management, and climate‑resilient agricultural practices. The candidate will also teach, supervise students, and engage in interdisciplinary research and community outreach aligned with UAE national priorities.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in desert ecology, soil ecology, environmental science, and sustainable agriculture.
• Supervise MSc and PhD students in desert ecosystem and soil‑plant interaction research.
• Establish and maintain an internationally recognized research program in desert ecology.
• Secure competitive external research funding.
• Publish in high‑impact, peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives related to climate change and food security.
• Engage in community outreach and industry collaboration on salinity management, water use efficiency, and soil restoration.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service.

• PhD in Plant Ecology, Soil Fertility, Plant Nutrition, Environmental Science, Desert Ecology, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research productivity in plant ecology in arid environments, soil fertility and nutrient ecosystems, salinity and drought stress management, and soil microbiome and ecosystem functioning.
• Evidence of effective teaching at the university level.
• Strong communication skills in English.

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  Desert Soil Ecology & Biogeochemistry
  , Saline and Marginal Soil Management
  , Soil Microbiome & Plant‑Microbe Interactions
  , Climate‑Smart Agriculture
  , Environmental Soil Physics & Hydrology
  , Bioremediation & Soil Pollution
  , Desert Agroecosystems & Crop Productivity
  .
• Experience working in arid and semi‑arid environments.
• Record of successful research grant acquisition or participation in international projects.
• Experience in interdisciplinary and applied research linked to food security and sustainability.