Assistant Professor - Forestry

Job Title

Assistant Professor – Forestry

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Temple

Faculty

Temple, Texas

This 12‑month, non‑tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Forest Ecology and Modeling Research is 100% research based, administratively located at the Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, Texas, with academic affiliation in the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, and collaborative ties to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

• 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; 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; 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.
• Direct the work of support staff, other technical personnel, and graduate students assigned to the project.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports directly to the Center Director, Texas A&M Agri Life Research‑Blackland, with guidance from the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University, College Station, and Texas A&M Forest Service.

• 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.
• 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.
• Excellence in verbal and written communication.
• Team‑building skills, collaboration capacity, and project management abilities.
• 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.

• Prior academic, post‑doctoral, or professional experience.
• Experience working with federal agencies or in other multi‑agency collaborative settings.
• 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.

Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

• Health, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance with Texas A&M Agri Life contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12‑15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M Agri Life.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.