Open Rank Research Professor - Water Sciences Lab Director

The Water Sciences Laboratory (WSL), is a core research facility at the University of Nebraska, administered by the Nebraska Water Center, part of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR).

With a 100% administrative research apportionment, this 12-month (calendar year) non-tenure track, renewable appointment will have a 3-5 year initial appointment based on rank at time of hire. The position reports to the Nebraska Water Center director and leads all WSL activities, supervising a laboratory manager and technical staff, while supporting staff and users in day-to-day facility operations. This position is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and will be affiliated with an academic unit in IANR to ensure the incumbent has a pathway to promotion conforming to UNL policies and guidelines. To learn more about Lincoln, please visit About Lincoln | Nebraska.

Position Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong communication skills, vision, and leadership to further the WSL mission to provide advanced, high quality, defensible results for water and environmental research
• Seek out and develop relationships with external stakeholders and faculty from the university system to support joint research and service projects, enhancing laboratory services to meet user requirements while implementing practical ways to maintain quality and improve operation efficiency.
• Actively collaborate on publications, contracts and grant opportunities, and work with the Nebraska Water Center staff to promote the facility widely to potential users on and off campus.
• Mentor laboratory users and staff to ensure timely processing of client samples, facilitate problem-solving, and assist the laboratory manager in implementing a robust quality assurance program using a new laboratory information management system.
• Prepare annual facility reports to the Office of Research and Innovation which integrate fiscal and technical input from an administrative advisory board, laboratory user group, and business office staff.

In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Water Sciences Laboratory in the Nebraska Water Center are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental, Geological, or Materials Science.
• Experience conducting scientific research, developing analytical or isotopic methods, operating and troubleshooting mass spectrometry-based equipment.
• Track record of relevant research publications showcasing advanced analytical techniques.
• Specialty in environmental sciences, water quality, and/or analytical method development commensurate with a research assistant professor or higher.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing laboratory operations, quality assurance, planning, or project management.
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with faculty and stakeholders across multiple disciplines and organizations.