Assistant Professor

Job TitleAssistant Professor Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department El Paso Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationEl Paso, Texas Job TypeFaculty Job Description Texas A&M AgriLife Research seeks an outstanding, innovative, and dynamic research faculty member in Nutrition at the rank of Assistant Professor. This appointment will be 12 months, non-tenured, 100% Research, and administratively located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso. In addition, this position will be affiliated with the Department of Nutrition within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. The applicant will work closely with other scientists within the department, Texas A&M University, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research to build a highly impactful, externally funded, nationally recognized, and self-sustainable research program. We are looking for an individual who will develop and maintain a robust research program investigating 1) the influence of various regenerative agricultural/processing techniques and production/processing inputs (e.g., organic, hydroponics, algae treatment, fertilizer treatment, etc.) on the nutritional value of food; and/or 2) consumer preferences and nutrition quality perceptions of food products grown using various regenerative agricultural/processing techniques and production/processing inputs. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso, engaging in soil quality, water conservation, and horticulture research related to local crops such as pecans, pistachios, and peppers. The successful candidate may also work with existing public health nutrition faculty and agricultural economics faculty to study consumer preferences and perceptions. Position Responsibilities: Maintains an independent research program that receives competitive internal and external funding. Trains and mentors, current and next-generation scientists, including students and Postdocs. Publishes in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. Develops partnerships and works collaboratively with state and federal agencies, other universities, industry, and other organizations. Presents research findings at national and international conferences. Serves as an advisor to graduate students and secures external funding to support graduate assistantships. Serves on departmental/unit, AgriLife committees, and professional organizations as appropriate. Engages in professional development opportunities to maximize knowledge. Performs other duties as assigned. Administrative Relationships: Reports directly to the Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso, with guidance from the Department of Nutrition within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Directs the work of support staff, and other technical personnel and graduate students assigned to the project. Qualifications: Required job qualifications: Earned doctorate in a related discipline, such as Nutrition, Epidemiology, Agronomy, Plant Physiology, Agricultural Engineering, Microbiology, Soil Science, Food Science, Molecular and Environmental Plant Science, Public Health, Health Communication and Horticulture. Experience conducting research related to “1) the influence of various regenerative agricultural/processing techniques and production/processing inputs (e.g., organic, hydroponics, algae treatment, fertilizer treatment, etc.) on the nutritional value of food; and/or 2) consumer preferences and nutrition quality perceptions of food products grown using various regenerative agricultural/processing techniques and production/processing inputs.” Experience developing peer-reviewed publications as first-author. Experience communicating research findings to a variety of audiences. Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams. Valid drivers’ license/ability to obtain a valid driver’s license. Preferred job qualifications: Prior academic, post-doctoral, or professional experience. Experience working with federal agencies or in other multi-agency collaborative settings. Modest teaching experience that will enhance graduate student success. Modest outreach experience with stakeholder interaction. Grant writing experience and evidence of the ability to attract external funding. Experience with grant writing to seek and/or obtain external funding. Experience working with producers, processors, or consumers to understand their perspectives. Experience mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students and/or post docs. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent ability to work in a multi-discipline research team. Ability to lead a research project from idea generation, proposal writing, grant management, and findings dissemination. Ability to develop peer-reviewed publications. Excellent organizational and technological skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Strong data analysis skills. Strong research methodology knowledge. Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Location and Facilities: This position will be stationed at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso located at 1380 A&M Circle Drive, El Paso, TX. Their mission statement is to: create, learn, and share knowledge about arid ecosystems, natural resource management, and nutrition to promote economic advancement, healthy residents, and sustainable development in Far West Texas. All proposed activities will support the missions and strategic plans of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Benefits Information: Benefits – The Texas A&M University System Network (tamus.edu) Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 12-15 days of annual paid holidays Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife Additional information about Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, and Texas A&M University Department of Nutrition is available at: Texas A&M AgriLife Research: https://agriliferesearch.tamu.edu/ Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso : https://elpaso.tamu.edu/ Texas A&M University Department of Nutrition https://nutrition.tamu.edu/ Application Procedure: Applicants must upload a: Cover letter (two-page limit) Curriculum vitae including a list of three references and their contact information within the CV While not required, the search committee also welcomes a document (limit two pages) that describes how you meet the “Required Job Qualifications” and “Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities” along with how you meet the “Preferred Job Qualifications.” The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Questions: Dr. Girisha Ganjegunte - Search Committee Chair. Address inquiries to Jessica Stott, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, El Paso jessica.stott@ag.tamu.edu 915-701-3099 All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service. If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you. Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners. Prospective employee benefits Retirement programs Commitment to inclusive excellence Strategic plan