ASSISTANT PROFESSOR – Forest Soils
Stephen F. Austin State University
Austin, TX
Job description
Posting Number:F2023-010
Other Specifications:
The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture seeks candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Forest Soils. This is an 11-month appointment with excellent opportunity for 12 months. The successful candidate will contribute to instruction at the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy levels, in his or her specific area(s) of expertise. Specifically, the incumbent will be expected to teach undergraduate courses in forest soils and environmental soil science during fall and spring semesters. The incumbent will assist in team teaching a summer field station course for undergraduate forestry majors. Additional courses may include land reclamation and remediation, soils in construction management, soil taxonomy, and soil fertility. Opportunities will exist to create additional undergraduate and graduate courses in the incumbent’s area of expertise.
The incumbent is expected to develop a successful research program in forest soils with potential topics including, but not limited to, soil productivity and fertility, soil-plant-water relations, or ecosystem services. Obtaining extramural research funding, including an approved McIntire-Stennis project, mentoring graduate students, and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals is expected. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with professionals and scientists outside the college. Successful applicants will provide outreach and service to the college, university, forestry profession, and communities of Texas.
The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in forest soils or closely-related field. The degree must be completed prior to the date of employment; ABDcandidates are encouraged to apply. At least one degree in forestry is preferred.
Essential Job Functions:
- Performs an equivalent of twenty-four teaching load credits (TLC) for the combined fall and spring semesters; reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible under certain circumstances.
- Engages in research/scholarly/creative and service activities at levels that are appropriate to faculty rank and departmental tenure/merit criteria.
- Provides services to the university and the profession.
- Participates in promotion review of lower-ranked faculty members within the department.
- When tenured, participates in tenure review of candidates for tenure.
- May conduct supplemental instructional activities such as independent studies, internships, advising, and thesis/dissertation supervision.
Non-Essential Job Functions:
- May receive course load reassignment when assigned administrative duties in support of the department/college/university.
- May receive course load reassignment when assigned to prepare course material during the first semester/year when included as part of initial contract.
- May receive course load reassignment when approved to conduct research/scholarly/creative accomplishment and service which exceed normal expectations.
- May supervise the work of student and/or graduate assistants.
- May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Extensive knowledge in the field in which the individual will be teaching.
- Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate students.
- Ability and commitment to conduct research and/or scholarly/creative accomplishments and service.
- Ability to work within a collaborative faculty environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
- Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
Required Education:
Terminal degree in the field in which the individual will be teaching is required. ABDcandidates may be considered if Ph.D. is earned prior to start date.
Required Experience and Training:
The rank of Assistant Professor is held by an individual who demonstrates the capability to produce research/scholarly/creative accomplishments, teach effectively, and provide service to the academic and general communities.
How to apply
For full consideration, application materials must be submitted online. Required application materials include:
(1) cover Letter: a letter of application to include a summary of academic training, professional experience, qualifications, and teaching and research interests related to the position;
(2) transcripts of all college or university work;
(3) curriculum Vitae;
(4) list of references: names and complete contact information (including phone and email addresses) of three references;
(5) teaching philosophy statement; and
(6) research philosophy statement (upload under Other Document).
Applications will not be considered complete until all documents have been received. Official transcripts will be required prior to interview.
Review of applications will begin on April 10, 2023. The position will remain open until filled.
Pending legislative approval, Stephen F. Austin State University will become a member of the University of Texas System, effective Fall of 2023.
Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive, regional institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. The university enrolls approximately 13,000 students and offers 83 undergraduate majors and 120 areas of study within six academic colleges – business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, sciences and mathematics, and liberal and applied arts. SFA offers degree programs both online and on its beautifully wooded campus nestled in the heart of Texas Forest Country.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA is ranked a Tier 1 Regional University by U.S. News and World Report. SFA provides the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. With a student-to-faculty ration of 19:1 and an average class size of 26, professors get to know their students and provide classroom instruction tailored to each student's needs and goals. Smaller classes combined with hands-on study, internships and research opportunities give students valuable experience that translates to their chosen career paths.