Faculty Position-Organic Biogeochemist

Faculty Position – Organic Biogeochemist

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

TITLE:

Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, Regular Title Series

RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is a tenure eligible position with a 12-month appointment and approximately 80% research, 15% teaching, 5% service responsibilities. The annual DOE will be aligned with this colleague’s strengths and college/department needs. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

Research:
The selected individual will develop a nationally and internationally recognized program in organic biogeochemistry with an emphasis on agroecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and the critical zone. The candidate will apply advanced analytical, mass spectrometry, and/or other spectroscopic techniques to improve our understanding of the molecular-level processes involved in the fate and cycling of natural organic matter and its interactions with anthropogenic organic contaminants and nutrients, as well as the implications for larger scale outcomes related to climate change, agricultural productivity, soil and water quality, and human health.

It is strongly emphasized that the candidate is expected to collaborate with researchers in department’s well-established programs in soil science, agroecosystem ecology, environmental sciences, plant biology, and crop science, researchers from other Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment departments, and with researchers across campus focused on carbon cycling and environmental fate and transport of organic contaminants.

Teaching:
The incumbent will be expected to develop a graduate level course in environmental and agricultural organic analytical chemistry/applied mass spectrometry to be taught every other year. The course will serve the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences graduate program and graduate programs across campus focused on environmental sciences. During alternate years, the incumbent will teach an undergraduate course focused on biogeochemistry and/or climate change.

Service:
As a land-grant university, service to department, college, university, professional society, and/or society at large is expected.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have an earned doctorate in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas. Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry, especially high-resolution mass spectrometry, is desirable. Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills is required. It is expected that the incumbent will obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.

RANK AND SALARY:
The rank of this position is at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. Salary is negotiable and is commensurate with training and experience. Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with diverse rewards, focusing on total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance.

In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. Further information about benefits provided to faculty by the University of Kentucky is posted on the following website (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

THE ENVIRONMENT:
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education,…