Description

The primary purpose of this position is to develop and lead a nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program in soil physics. Quantification of coupled soil processes is central to sustainability of agronomic systems and earth’s ecosphere. Present advances are recognizing the coupling of soil physical processes that significantly alter soil water retention and solute movement, which in turn, dictates plant growth. This position will advance critical tools needed to maximize food and energy while enhancing soil health and protecting water resources. Given the increasing threats of water scarcity and future climate scenarios, fully understanding this coupled soil-water-plant-atmosphere continuum will allow for preemptive and mitigation strategies. The incumbent will support research investigations ranging from molecular to global scales. This position will meet teaching needs in undergraduate and graduate courses in Soil Science, Soil Physics, and related topics in Soil processes, and Environmental Science Internships. Soil Physicist will mentor graduate students and postdocs in core soil physics principles and emerging areas, including AI, remote sensing, 3-D imaging (computed tomography), big data analysis. Faculty is expected to serve as an investigator on a USDA-NIFA Hatch collaborative or Hatch multistate project. The successful candidate is also expected to have a commitment to and an understanding of the importance of enhancing inclusive excellence and diversity in the development and delivery of their program efforts.

The soil physicist will remain dedicated to the core interests within CSS, such as plant-soil interactions, nutrient losses from irrigated systems, crop performance in water limited systems and restoration of physically impaired soils (compaction, erosion, possibly using cover crops and related microbiological processes). The incumbent will develop strong links with soil water quality, soil microbiology and fertility, groundwater quality and quantity, biofilms in managed carbon sequestration and petroleum recovery, and irrigation faculty in CSS, Biological and Ecological Engineering (BEE), Horticulture (HORT), Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and branch experiment stations. Additional potential links to faculty in carbon sequestration and climate change research in concert with Critical Zone Science and NEON faculty; Advancing CAFO operations; Forest Hydrology and faculty across the state working with watershed management groups; and collaborations with state agencies ODA and DEQ, and federal agencies USDA, EPA, and USGS.

65% Research
The incumbent is expected to develop an impactful and innovative soil physics research program with an emphasis on Oregon agricultural systems. The incumbent will work to create new knowledge across different spatial scales in both laboratory and field settings, applying modern methods of data procurement, storage, and interpretation.

The incumbent is expected to actively develop their status as a recognized scholar. Specific research activities include:

• Lead a robust nationally and internationally recognized soil physics research program that addresses emerging soil-water issues in Oregon related to sustainable agriculture, environmental quality, and climate change.
• Secure external funding from federal, state, regional, and industry sources to support various research activities.
• Serve as an investigator on a USDA-NIFA Hatch collaborative or Hatch multistate project.
• Maintain a strong publication record by publishing research articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Communicate research findings through collaborative and personal interactions with Extension personnel, growers, farm managers, and governmental organizations (NRCS, ODA etc.) via meetings, workshops, internet websites or other forums as appropriate.

30% Teaching and Advising
Teach three undergraduate and graduate level classes including Soil Physics course on an annual basis. Teaching will include delivering and developing on-campus and Ecampus versions of undergraduate and graduate level courses (e.g., SOIL 435/535 Environmental Soil Physics and SOIL 2XX/ 3XX Soil, Water, and Agriculture, and emerging areas such as AI and sensing). Additional activities related to teaching include direction of student projects and internships, course and curriculum development, and interacting with students in more informal settings.

• Collaborate with other teaching faculty within the CSS department as well as other departments and colleges across campus. Serve as a mentor to undergraduate students (for example, honors college committees)
• Advise graduate students and serve on graduate student committees.
• Supervise and mentor an effective research team including support staff, research assistants and post-doctoral researchers as appropriate.

5% Service

• Serve and participate on Department, College and University committees.
• Maintain active membership and participate in professional associations and activities.
• Fulfill all reporting requirements of the unit, department, and college in a timely fashion.

Requirements

• PhD in Soil Physics, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to scholarly activity through refereed journal articles, book chapters, and electronic media.
• Teaching, guest lecturing, or teaching assistant experience in a professional setting
• Ability to collaborate within a team structure.
• Evidence of ability to effectively present soil physics related topics to varied audiences.
• Evidence of efforts to promote and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in an educational environment.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1. A resume/CV; and
2. A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
3. Statement of Research (1 page maximum)
4. Statement of Teaching (1 page maximum)

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Jolene Bunce
Jolene.bunce@oregonstate.edu