Description
Faculty Position – Organic Biogeochemist
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
TITLE: Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, Regular Title Series
RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a tenure eligible position with a 12-month appointment and approximately 80% research, 15% teaching, 5% service responsibilities. The annual DOE will be aligned with this colleague’s strengths and college/department needs. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.
Research: The selected individual will develop a nationally and internationally recognized program in organic biogeochemistry with an emphasis on agroecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and the critical zone. The candidate will apply advanced analytical, mass spectrometry, and/or other spectroscopic techniques to improve our understanding of the molecular-level processes involved in the fate and cycling of natural organic matter and its interactions with anthropogenic organic contaminants and nutrients, as well as the implications for larger scale outcomes related to climate change, agricultural productivity, soil and water quality, and human health.
It is strongly emphasized that the candidate is expected to collaborate with researchers in department’s well-established programs in soil science, agroecosystem ecology, environmental sciences, plant biology, and crop science, researchers from other Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment departments, and with researchers across campus focused on carbon cycling and environmental fate and transport of organic contaminants.
Teaching: The incumbent will be expected to develop a graduate level course in environmental and agricultural organic analytical chemistry/applied mass spectrometry to be taught every other year. The course will serve the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences graduate program and graduate programs across campus focused on environmental sciences. During alternate years, the incumbent will teach an undergraduate course focused on biogeochemistry and/or climate change.
Service: As a land-grant university, service to department, college, university, professional society, and/or society at large is expected.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have an earned doctorate in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas. Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry, especially high-resolution mass spectrometry, is desirable. Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills is required. It is expected that the incumbent will obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.
RANK AND SALARY: The rank of this position is at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. Salary is negotiable and is commensurate with training and experience. Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with diverse rewards, focusing on total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. Further information about benefits provided to faculty by the University of Kentucky is posted on the following website www.uky.edu/HR/benefits/.
THE ENVIRONMENT: The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready. For more than 130 years, M-G CAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high-tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development.
The University of Kentucky is an institution with over 27,500 undergraduate and 9,500 graduate students. UK is Kentucky’s flagship university and a land grant institution. We have a university commitment to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond and that is why environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our institution’s legacy. We are recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Gold level Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists, and are recognized as a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Silver Rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The university is geographically near downtown Lexington, which offers the vibrancy of an urban location while being in close proximity to working landscapes and recognized wilderness areas. It is a thriving community of 320,000+ with a strong commitment to quality of life, education, and the arts. Lexington is in the Bluegrass Region, an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape and agricultural region.
QUESTIONS AND/OR NOMINATIONS TO:
Dr. Jason Unrine
Chair, Search Committee
N-122T Agriculture Science Center North
1100 S. Limestone
University of Kentucky
Lexington KY 40546-0091
Phone: 859-257-1657
Email: jason.unrine@uky.edu
Web: https://personnel.mgcafe.uky.edu/directory/unrine-jason
APPLICATION: Completed applications should include the following: a cover letter, CV (including full legal name as it appears on passport and ORCID, if available), and statements of research and teaching interests and experiences. In addition, names and contact information of three individuals from whom letters may be requested should be included in the application packet. Applications should be submitted by November 1, 2026, for full consideration, while the position will remain open until filled. Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. In your uploaded document, please begin with a cover letter that outlines your approach to the position’s responsibilities, your qualifications, and your vision for innovative and impactful research programs that address existing and emerging issues, followed by the name, address, email, and phone number for three references, and conclude with career curriculum vita and relevant statements.
To apply for this position click on the quicklink: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/646498
or copy and paste the URL into your browser
Click Apply for this Posting
Follow the instructions on how to create an account.
Complete the Employment Application and upload the required documents.
If you need assistance with the electronic application process, contact HR/ Employment, phone (859) 257-9555, press 2, or email ukjobs@email.uky.edu.
