Position description
The Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University invites applications for two full‐time, 12-month tenure system Assistant Professors with 55% research, 35% Extension/outreach, and 10% service assignments. The positions can start as soon as July 1, 2024, but could be as late as January 2, 2025.
Applicants from all areas of biosystems and agricultural engineering are encouraged to apply, but we have a particular interest in increasing our capacity to deliver solutions to local, state, federal, and global stakeholders through the following two priority areas:
1. Groundwater Hydrology: The proposed faculty hire will conduct research and Extension focused on developing reliable models for groundwater use and availability for agriculture (applicable to multiple commodities), impact of management/conservation programs on efficiency of groundwater utilization, and strategies to increase efficiency of water use. Model development will be grounded in data from an agricultural setting and understanding of agricultural practices to ensure relevance and applicability to multiple plant agriculture commodities in Michigan and help inform policy for groundwater use in the State of Michigan.
2. Water Quality Modeling: The proposed faculty hire will conduct research and Extension focused on developing and validating reliable models for nutrient fate and transport in agricultural systems (soil and surface water). The position will also address the impact of management and conservation practices, strategies to increase nutrient retention and uptake for the diversity of commodities produced in Michigan, and help inform policy for nutrient application on farms in Michigan.
Successful candidates are expected to build nationally recognized, extramurally funded research and Extension programs with a systems emphasis, integrating across or at the intersections among food, energy, environment, water, and health. The successful candidates are also expected to collaborate effectively with biosystems and agricultural engineering faculty, and extensively with colleagues within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension, the College of Engineering, and other departments on campus, as well as with stakeholder groups. In addition to sustaining an active research program, the faculty will be responsible for mentoring graduate/undergraduate students, serving on departmental, college, and university committees, and engaging in service through professional networks and organizations.
This position is part of the newAgricultural Climate Resiliency Program,a partnership among MSU, the Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development aimed at developing solutions to long-term climate- and water-related problems. As part of this program, MSU has launched an extensivecluster hire processto attract expertise in critical areas of research and outreach necessary to address such grand challenges.
Required qualifications
An earned Ph.D. in biosystems and agricultural engineering or a closely related field.
Desired qualifications
- The candidates are expected to have strong communication skills to engage with a wide group of stakeholders and demonstrate the ability to deliver Extension activities.
- Candidates will demonstrate evidence of experience or interest in engaging agricultural and regulatory/policy-making stakeholders.
- The candidates will demonstrate a capability to develop a scholarly program at the interface of engineering and biological sciences.
- The candidates will have a record of research funding or demonstrate potential to secure competitive funding from agencies such as the USDA NIFA, NSF, NRCS, USAID, EPA, foundations, etc.
- The successful candidates should provide evidence of commitment and dedication to mentoring a diverse student population preparing for careers in research, policy, and/or practice in academia, industry, or government.
- The candidates will have evidence of peer-reviewed publications and the ability to establish stakeholder partnerships.
The Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE)
BAE is a national leader in education, research, and outreach. The department has been fully engaged in meeting the changing needs of society since 1906, with a current mission to improve the quality of life by integrating and applying principles of engineering and biology to systems involving food, environment, energy, and health.
Location
The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/ .
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view BAE norms at https://www.canr.msu.edu/bae/about/dei.
Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html).
To Apply
For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number 931932. Upload the following required documents: 1) a detailed CV, 2) a cover letter summarizing their qualifications, 3) a vision statement for Extension 4) a vision statement for research, 5) a diversity, equity and inclusion statement, and 6) names and contact information for at least three references. Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 should be limited to one page each.
Review of Applications
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on April 6, 2024 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Prof. Pouyan Nejadhashemi, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, bae.search@msu.edu.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.