Assistant/Associate Professor of Soil Microbiomes
Colorado State University
Full-Time
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in cutting edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.
Position Summary
The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University (CSU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position to study the microbiomes of soil systems. This position is a 50% research, 40% teaching, and 10% service appointment on a 9-month contract.
We seek applications from candidates who have expertise in the study of microbiomes associated with soil habitats, including critical zones such as the rhizosphere and/or the soil-water-atmosphere interface, and their functional roles in these systems. We define microbiomes as microbial communities (i.e., viruses, bacteria, archaea, and microbial eukaryotes, including fungi), their genes and the molecules with which they interact. Candidates should be able to articulate how their research addresses overarching challenges in topics such as soil health, environmental biogeochemistry, and/or sustainable agriculture. Commitment to teaching excellence and stakeholder engagement is an important part of this position.
This position is part of a University-wide microbiome cluster hire, complementing and extending the ongoing network of microbiome systems research at Colorado State University. Departments within the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences are participating in the microbiome cluster hires. Microbiome research and training may be partnered with the School of Global Environmental Sustainability (http://sustainability.colostate.edu/), the One Health Initiative (http://onehealth.colostate.edu), and/or the Innovation Center for Sustainable Agriculture (https://vprnet.research.colostate.edu/ICSA/). The goal for this faculty cluster hire of microbiome expertise is to create a dynamic, interactive and collaborative community across multiple departments and colleges. The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and the other units listed above have strong efforts in these areas, and the successful candidate is expected to integrate with the initiative and build on these efforts.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at CSU is home to a distinguished group of internationally recognized faculty focused on research, teaching, and outreach in agricultural and environmental sciences. The department possesses notable strengths in environmental biogeochemistry, climate-smart agroecosystems, crop genetics and sustainability metrics, and seeks to bolster these thematic areas. Information regarding the department, programs and degrees can be viewed at http://soilcrop.agsci.colostate.edu/
The microbiomes systems research community spans six colleges and 11 departments at CSU, as well as a rich environment of microbiomes research along the front range of Colorado and Wyoming. Laboratory space has been made available that is in close proximity to the other microbiome faculty hired within this university cluster hire initiative. The shared laboratory infrastructure is designed to assist, facilitate, and enhance interactions among the broader network of microbiome collaborative research.
Colorado State University is a land grant institution with an enrollment of approximately 31,000 students. It is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, an attractive and dynamic community of 150,000 people at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Fort Collins has been named one of the most desirable places to live by a variety of organizations. The region is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and land uses, and offers numerous outdoor recreational activities.
As a land grant University and as nationally recognized innovators, we are committed to the foundational principles of diversity and inclusion. We recognize that our institutional success depends on how well we welcome, value, and affirm all members of the Colorado State community and how we represent diverse perspectives in our teaching, research, and service throughout all disciplines.
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.
Required Job Qualifications
A Ph.D. in fields related to the study of soil microbiomes (completed by application deadline)
Experience with modern ‘omic approaches for assessing soil microbiomes
Excellent communication skills
A strong record of scholarly achievement commensurate with experience
Potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students
Preferred Job Qualifications
A strong record of scholarly achievement commensurate with experience
Ability to perform relevant research using creative and innovative approaches
Potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students
Evidence of grantsmanship and previous success in obtaining competitive research funding and/or scholarship
Evidence of team-building skills, capacity for successful collaboration, and potential to manage multidisciplinary research and education projects
Desire and ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, stakeholders, and activities
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, apply by 09/08/17. Application materials include: a cover letter; curriculum vitae; names and contact information for four references; and a five-page (maximum) statement. The cover letter should address the required and preferred qualifications. The statement should describe a vision for a research program, teaching philosophy and approach, and engagement with the community at large. The statement should convey how those activities will be integrated, and how they will address current grand challenges in agriculture and the environment.
References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University (CSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
Essential Duties
Research - 50%
Establish an externally-funded research program, including support for graduate students
Collaborate with other members of the Department, the microbiome cluster, college, and university in research
Teaching - 40%
Teach undergraduate courses for a minimum of 4 credits every year and graduate courses for a minimum of 3 credits every other year in soil microbiology and in microbiomes
Participate in related training and workshops
Serve as primary advisor to graduate students
Collaborate with other members of the Department, the microbiome cluster, college, and university in teaching
Service - 10%
Conduct service and outreach activities to various communities, including the university and the broader academic community, agricultural industry, and various discipline-based professional organizations
Collaborate with other members of the Department, the microbiome cluster, college, and university in outreach
How to Apply:
https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/45975
