Description:

Growing demands for food, water, and energy due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and economic development activities have exerted pressure on the environment, agriculture, and natural resources. It has been projected that by 2050, farmers will have to produce more food and feedstock while mitigating environmental problems associated with food production. This has resulted in the expansion of agricultural lands and intensification of agricultural practices, which are major sources of increased soil erosion, water pollution, air pollution, waste disposal, loss of biodiversity and habitat, and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable environmental technology is becoming more prevalent in all aspects of life. Accordingly, CAES is investing in sustainable technologies to gain the knowledge and tools to help the world innovate solutions that can thrive in our rapidly changing environment. At the same time, sustainable technology will need to equitably benefit and be readily available and affordable so that small to medium farms will have access to adopt and provide value to their livelihoods. The appointment is open to the assistant professor rank (non-tenure track).

The primary purpose of this position is to develop a robust sustainable research program that focuses on protecting agricultural and urban environment by utilizing novel and creative approaches to environmental problem-solving.

Teaching (25%)

The successful candidate is expected to teach one agricultural system and environmental-related science class per semester including mentoring and supervision of students in the areas of agricultural and environmental systems.

Research (65%)

The successful candidate is expected to write winning grant proposals and publish in high-impact journals in the areas of modern environmental systems to support the new Ph.D. program in Agriculture and Environmental Science including Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Food and Land Systems Major Concentrations. It is preferred that the candidate has a track record of innovative research productivity (awarded competitive grants, high-impact publications, intellectual property, and other innovations).

Other Duties (10%)

The successful candidate is expected to serve on the department, college, and university committees as assigned. The candidate is expected to serve in the professional society and community actively.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences ( CAES ) has a rich history of innovation and application of cutting-edge technology. From our highly ranked Agricultural and Environmental Systems (Environmental Studies) program in the Department of Natural Resources to our award-winning Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research programs, our faculty and staff are equipped to serve today’s needs and sustainable future needs of society.With programs and expertise in such areas as biotechnology, agricultural and biosystems engineering, natural resources management, waste management, and food microbiology, the A&T College of Agriculture grows concurrently with the demand for qualified graduates. Our four academic departments are the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics, and Agriscience Education; the Department of Animal Sciences; the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design. Within these departments, students will find a myriad of opportunities for classroom learning, research, and fieldwork.Through our Agricultural Research Program and our Cooperative Extension Program, we are able to research issues of importance to North Carolina and also provide research-based outreach training to citizens across the state and around the world.

Internal job number: 009085

Requirements:

A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in earth and environmental science, agriculture, or related disciplines with an emphasis on agricultural systems, monitoring and assessment of air, soil, and water pollutants with knowledge of modern sustainable technologies.

Candidates with training and knowledge of agricultural systems and environmental science areas (understanding of soil physical, chemical, and morphological properties; water quality assessment, air pollution control, waste management and mitigation, natural resource management, constructed wetlands, and the impacts of global warming and climate change) are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to have a strong commitment to developing a sustainable research program that includes laboratory and field studies.

The successful candidate must have effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues, the agricultural community, and students.

Preferred:

At least two or more years of professional experience in research, track record of innovative research and productivity (publication and/or grantsmanship), committed to improving access to higher education for students from underrepresented groups, ability to interact and gain support from constituencies outside the university such as business and industry, state and federal agencies, and non-profit and private foundations.