Assistant Professor - Forestry

* Establish and lead a nationally recognized, externally funded, and self-sustaining research program focused on the sustainability, health, productivity, and marketability of forested landscapes.
* Conduct research addressing critical forest resource issues, including:
* Forest ecosystem health and sustainability
* Forest management systems to produce forage for domestic livestock and wildlife
* Innovative strategies to protect forested landscapes from invasive species, wildfire, pests, extreme weather events, and other destructive agents
* Watershed management and water quality in forested areas
* Forest management for recreational purposes
* Utilization of non-traditional forest products
* Each research initiative will be designed to assess its impact on environmental sustainability, including atmospheric emissions and soil health metrics.
* Leverage and contribute to data, models, and algorithms sourced from government, academic, and industry partners, including collaboration with other Blackland/Grassland research teams and their national and international networks. The candidate is expected to develop and improve simulation models, secure extramural funding, train graduate students, and actively disseminate findings.
* Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports and share models and tools with relevant stakeholders, land managers, and the broader scientific community.
* Engage with forest industry professionals, community service providers, and entrepreneurs, and participate in outreach activities to ensure research relevance and applicability to stakeholders.
* Collaborate with the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Forestry Association, county Extension agents, statewide faculty, and other forestry professionals to support applied research and outreach that addresses regional needs.
* Contribute to programming efforts that yield tangible, measurable impacts on the economic and ecological viability of forested landscapes across the region.
* Directs the work of support staff, and other technical personnel and graduate students assigned to the project.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
* Ph.D. in an area of forest science or a closely related field by hire date. Candidates with a degree in a closely aligned field must demonstrate a strong academic background or research program explicitly focused on forestry applications.
* Excellence in verbal and written communication.
* Highly organized.
* Professional demeanor
* Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
* Ability to establish effective working relationships.
* Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System.

Strong knowledge of forest ecology and related fields of study. Research experience in forest modeling, including expertise in biometrics and geospatial analysis. Evidence of, or the ability to produce, peer-reviewed publications of original research. Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license. Team-building skills, collaboration capacity, and project management abilities.

Strong communication skills.
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* Preferred Qualifications:

** Prior academic, post-doctoral, or professional experience. Modest teaching experience that will enhance graduate student success.

Modest outreach experience with stakeholder interaction.

Grant writing experience and evidence of the ability to attract external funding.
** Location and Facilities:
** This position will be affiliated with the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology and contribute to departmental programs. Stationed at the Texas A&M Agri Life Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, the proposed faculty member will work with other Blackland faculty and collaborate with USDA-ARS scientists, USDA-NRCS, and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board staff in Temple.

The Blackland Research Center and the collocated USDA-ARS Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory have a long history of modeling crop and grazing land production and their effects on soil and water resources. The Blackland/Grassland team of agricultural and natural resources…