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Position Details

Position Information

Department Crop and Soil Science (ACS)

Position Title Assistant Professor

Job Title Assistant Professor: Soil Physics

Appointment Type Academic Faculty

Job Location Corvallis

Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Job Summary

The Department of Crop and Soil Science ( CSS ) invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ) 9-month, tenure track Assistant Professor position.

The primary purpose of this position is to develop and lead a nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program in soil physics. Quantification of coupled soil processes is central to sustainability of agronomic systems and earth’s ecosphere. Present advances are recognizing the coupling of soil physical processes that significantly alter soil water retention and solute movement, which in turn, dictates plant growth. This position will advance critical tools needed to maximize food and energy while enhancing soil health and protecting water resources. Given the increasing threats of water scarcity and future climate scenarios, fully understanding this coupled soil-water-plant-atmosphere continuum will allow for preemptive and mitigation strategies. The incumbent will support research investigations ranging from molecular to global scales. This position will meet teaching needs in undergraduate and graduate courses in Soil Science, Soil Physics, and related topics in Soil processes, and Environmental Science Internships. Soil Physicist will mentor graduate students and postdocs in core soil physics principles and emerging areas, including AI, remote sensing, 3-D imaging (computed tomography), big data analysis. Faculty is expected to serve as an investigator on a USDA - NIFA Hatch collaborative or Hatch multistate project. The successful candidate is also expected to have a commitment to and an understanding of the importance of enhancing inclusive excellence and diversity in the development and delivery of their program efforts.

The soil physicist will remain dedicated to the core interests within CSS , such as plant-soil interactions, nutrient losses from irrigated systems, crop performance in water limited systems and restoration of physically impaired soils (compaction, erosion, possibly using cover crops and related microbiological processes). The incumbent will develop strong links with soil water quality, soil microbiology and fertility, groundwater quality and quantity, biofilms in managed carbon sequestration and petroleum recovery, and irrigation faculty in CSS , Biological and Ecological Engineering ( BEE ), Horticulture ( HORT ), Civil and Environmental Engineering ( CEE ) and branch experiment stations. Additional potential links to faculty in carbon sequestration and climate change research in concert with Critical Zone Science and NEON faculty; Advancing CAFO operations; Forest Hydrology and faculty across the state working with watershed management groups; and collaborations with state agencies ODA and DEQ , and federal agencies USDA , EPA , and USGS .

College of Agricultural Sciences ( CAS ) faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences. There is an expectation that, as part of the role in the college, incumbent embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document (https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/main/for-faculty/care.pdf) .

Oregon State University and the CSS Department are committed to maintaining and enhancing a collaborative and inclusive community that strives for equity and equal opportunity. All employees of the Department are responsible for helping to ensure that these goals are achieved. In addition, all faculty members will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Departmental programs to ensure that all people have equal program participation opportunities.

The CSS Department has 114 on-campus faculty and staff, and an additional 33 off-campus faculty located at branch experiment stations and county extension offices with academic homes in CSS . These faculty and staff are engaged in the department’s four missions in research, teaching, extension, and service. There are more than 125 students seeking CSS degrees ranging from the BS to PhD. As a faculty member at a land grant university, the incumbent is expected to excel in research and teaching, and to contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion in these areas. This position contributes to the missions of the CSS Department, the CAS , and the Agricultural Experiment Station at Oregon State University. The position will be located at the main Corvallis campus.

Inclusive community: Oregon State University and the CSS Department are committed to maintaining and enhancing a collaborative and inclusive community that strives for equity and equal opportunity. College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. All employees of the Department are responsible for helping to ensure that these goals are achieved. In addition, all faculty members will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Department programs to ensure that all People have equal program participation opportunities. The incumbent will contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of educational delivery, advising, research, Extension, service, and/or scholarly outcomes. Outputs and impacts of efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity should be included in promotion and tenure dossiers.

Tenure: This position carries the general and specific responsibilities of a faculty member described in the Faculty Handbook and the promotion and tenure guidelines of Oregon State University. These include effective research and extension programs, demonstrable scholarship and creative activity, service contributions, and active professional development.

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We do not wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

+ Top 1.4% university in the world

+ More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

+ 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

+ 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

+ 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

+ 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

+ 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

+ 217k+ alumni worldwide

+ For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/aboutLocations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

+ Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

+ Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

+ Retirement savings paid by the university.

+ A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

+ Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

+ Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

+ Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

+ Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

•Top 1.4% university in the world

•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

•217k+ alumni worldwide

•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

•Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

•Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

•Retirement savings paid by the university.

•A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

•Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

65% Research

The incumbent is expected to develop an impactful and innovative soil physics research program with an emphasis on Oregon agricultural systems. The incumbent will work to create new knowledge across different spatial scales in both laboratory and field settings, applying modern methods of data procurement, storage, and interpretation.

The incumbent is expected to actively develop their status as a recognized scholar. Specific research activities include:

+ Lead a robust nationally and internationally recognized soil physics research program that addresses emerging soil-water issues in Oregon related to sustainable agriculture, environmental quality, and climate change.

+ Secure external funding from federal, state, regional, and industry sources to support various research activities.

+ Serve as an investigator on a USDA - NIFA Hatch collaborative or Hatch multistate project.

+ Maintain a strong publication record by publishing research articles in peer-reviewed journals.

+ Communicate research findings through collaborative and personal interactions with Extension personnel, growers, farm managers, and governmental organizations ( NRCS , ODA etc.) via meetings, workshops, internet websites or other forums as appropriate.

30% Teaching and Advising

Teach three undergraduate and graduate level classes including Soil Physics course on an annual basis. Teaching will include delivering and developing on-campus and Ecampus versions of undergraduate and graduate level courses (e.g., SOIL 435/535 Environmental Soil Physics and SOIL 2XX/ 3XX Soil, Water, and Agriculture, and emerging areas such as AI and sensing). Additional activities related to teaching include direction of student projects and internships, course and curriculum development, and interacting with students in more informal settings.

+ Collaborate with other teaching faculty within the CSS department as well as other departments and colleges across campus. Serve as a mentor to undergraduate students (for example, honors college committees)

+ Advise graduate students and serve on graduate student committees.

+ Supervise and mentor an effective research team including support staff, research assistants and post-doctoral researchers as appropriate.

5% Service

+ Serve and participate on Department, College and University committees.

+ Maintain active membership and participate in professional associations and activities.

+ Fulfill all reporting requirements of the unit, department, and college in a timely fashion.

What You Will Need

PhD in Soil Physics, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related field.

Demonstrated ability to contribute to scholarly activity through refereed journal articles, book chapters, and electronic media.

Teaching, guest lecturing, or teaching assistant experience in a professional setting

Ability to collaborate within a team structure.

Evidence of ability to effectively present soil physics related topics to varied audiences.

Evidence of efforts to promote and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in an educational environment.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

Postdoctoral experience in a related field.

Strong verbal communication skills.

Evidence in ability to lead a team.

Experience in applying machine learning tools and large data analysis techniques.

Experience in applying modern methods and sensors related to soil physics.

Evidence of ability to translate fundamental research results into practical suggestions for stakeholders.

Experience or strong potential to secure external funding for research programs.

Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The incumbent will be expected to travel occasionally to conduct field research, share findings through on-site presentations, and participate in other collaborative efforts. Incumbent will conduct or direct others in outdoor pedological field work using hand-held or powered equipment under varying and sometimes inclement weather conditions.

Pay Method Salary

Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience

Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position\_descriptions/15067

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P09457UF

Number of Vacancies 1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 09/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date 09/23/2025

Full Consideration Date

Closing Date 11/04/2025

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Statement of Research (1 page maximum)

4) Statement of Teaching (1 page maximum)

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:

Jolene Bunce

[email protected]

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates) section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team [email protected].

Supplemental Questions

Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/173145

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.