Assistant Professor in Applied Environmental Soil Chemistry

The Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas seeks candidates for an assistant professor position in applied environmental soil chemistry.  This will be a 9-month, tenure-track position.  Candidates are expected to establish an outstanding teaching and grant-supported research program in chemically or physically disturbed soil environments, areas impacted by pollution, and interfaces of the soil-water-plant continuum. Specific research areas may include urban, anthropogenic, constructed or disturbed soils, environmental quality assessment, pollutant remediation, organics/chelates, compost quality, soil characterization/classification, soil chemical influences on grape/wine production and other high value crops, and/or temporal impacts of pesticides and non-point source pollution. Applications of soil chemistry and soil restoration techniques to both urban and rural land (e.g., farmland, spill locations, mined lands, mineral development, confined animal feeding operations) are of primary interest. Training and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students and publication of research results in high-impact journals is expected. Further, the candidate should have a strong background in applied soil science with emphasis in soil chemistry; expertise in advanced statistical theory and soil data management is encouraged. Willingness to collaborate with other soil scientists, agronomy and horticultural scientists, biologists, geoscientists, and civil and environmental engineers at Texas Tech, Texas A&M AgriLife, USDA-ARS, and USDA-NRCS is necessary. The successful candidate will teach an undergraduate introductory soil science course (in rotation with other faculty), undergraduate/graduate level course in applied environmental soil chemistry, and one additional upper level course related to his/her specialty (a typical teaching load in the Department varies from 2 to 4 courses per academic year depending on the extent of the research program). Service to the department, university, community and professional societies is expected. Preference will be given to student-focused candidates with demonstrated skills in cross disciplinary collaboration. The position provides opportunity for professional growth, while working with an energetic, productive team of scientists.  Candidates who have very strong records of scholarship supported by extramural funding and who have the proven capacity or clear potential to bring externally sponsored research to Texas Tech University are encouraged to apply.  Candidates should have an earned Ph.D. in soil science, agronomy, or closely related field with strong understanding of soil chemistry dynamics, biogeochemical cycling, organic soil amendments (e.g., compost), site assessment/remediation, and advanced statistical analysis. Demonstrated ability for interdisciplinary collaboration, publishing high-quality scientific research, and grantsmanship consistent with assistant professor rank are expected. Applicants having strong post-doctoral training and independent research experience are preferable. A demonstrated and ongoing commitment to serving diverse student populations.  Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are essential. In addition, applicants must be able to effectively communicate in English and be authorized for employment in the United States.Please note that all application materials must be submitted on-line through the Texas Tech University application site at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/workattexastech/  and search for Requisition Number 13591BR.  Applicants should submit a CV, official transcripts, along with teaching and research statements.  Applicants should supply names and contact information of three (3) individuals who may be contacted for letters of reference.  Questions should be addressed to Drs. David C. Weindorf and Sanjit Deb, Search Committee co-Chairs, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-2122, Phone (806) 834-5287; email: david.weindorf@ttu.edu; Sanjit.deb@ttu.edu. Review of the applications will begin May 21, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled.  Expected starting date is Fall, 2018 (negotiable).