Assistant Professor: Ecological Engineering

Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE)

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE) seeks candidates for a tenure-track academic position at the assistant professor level with 50% teaching and 50% research responsibilities, to develop a collaborative, internationally recognized research program in the area of ecological engineering with a focus on water resources.

Global Climate and Environmental Change is a strategic priority area to be addressed in the great challenge of producing adequate food and energy for the world’s growing population. One of the key objectives under this strategic priority is to better understand the complex interactions between ecosystem function and environmental change at multiple scales, ranging from micro to macro and local to global. Developing appropriate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies requires ecosystem-focused understanding for sustaining and improving land and water resource quality. The USDA NIFA has identified Climate Change as one of its priority science areas with the goal to develop adaptation strategies to changing weather patterns and sustain economic vitality while addressing greenhouse gas emissions. Applicants must have an excellent record of accomplishment in an academic, consulting, industrial, or public sector setting, and possess the potential to become an internationally recognized leader in teaching and research.

Research

The candidate is expected to develop an internationally recognized research program with a focus on water resources. Quantifying the interactions among biological, chemical and physical processes of water resources is of fundamental importance in the design of sustainable systems. This type of research is inherently tied to the dynamic interactions between landscape use and watershed features, management of waste byproducts, transportation infrastructure, and human communities. Proper consideration of the integration of these interactions is necessary for strengthening our multifaceted economy while protecting the environment. Past advances at relatively small landscape scales have often been inadequate in evaluating impacts at larger watershed and ecosystem scales. More research is needed to understand the complexity that evolves from the interactions of numerous processes at different scales. Information gained from this research is necessary in developing strategies for the adaptation of sustainable practices necessary for the long-term viability of ecosystems. Of particular importance are strategies for maintaining and improving ecosystem structure and function under pressures from agricultural and other human activities and a changing environment and climate. This position will leverage University research and resources to engage students, policy makers, and public stakeholders, and will educate the next generation of researchers and leaders. Collaborative research across the various colleges, departments, and centers throughout the University including the Water Resources Center (WRC), College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), and the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is highly encouraged.

Teaching

The teaching component of this position will include teaching and developing courses for one or more programmatic areas: the Environmental and Ecological Engineering Specialization within the BBE major (e.g, Ecological Engineering Principles, Ecological Engineering Design, Air Quality/Pollution Control Eng, Sustainable Waste Management Engineering), the Ecological Engineering Minor administered by BBE, the Environmental Science Track of the Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management Major (ESPM), and the Corporate Sustainability Systems Specialization of the Sustainable Systems Management Major (SSM). The position will help integrate and strengthen all three teaching programs by addressing core needs as well as augmenting existing teaching capacity. Teaching may include lecture/lab, e-based learning, or other modes of instruction and interaction with students. A demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching and advising is essential. The successful candidate will strive for excellence in academic advising for undergraduate and graduate students as a vital component of student development.

Required:

• A Ph.D. (completed or expected by end of May 2026) in ecological engineering, agricultural/biosystems engineering, environmental or civil engineering, water resources engineering, or a closely related field, with demonstrated experience/background in water resources
• An undergraduate degree in an engineering field with current engineering licensure or potential to become a licensed professional engineer
• Evidence of potential to develop extramurally-funded research programs through independent and collaborative research
• Demonstrated interest and commitment to teaching
• Demonstrated effective written communication skills

Preferred:

• Evidence of independent and/or collaborative research experience in quantifying the interactions among biological, chemical and physical processes of water resources in natural and human-impacted systems at one or more ecosystem scales
• Demonstrated and relevant record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in effective teaching including active learning and course development
• Ability and flexibility to teach core engineering courses such as thermodynamics
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity in an academic or professional setting and commitment to supporting the University's goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing diversity, equity, and inclusivity