• Assistant Professor - Pedology and Land Use

    Auburn University (Auburn, AL)


    Posting Details

    Position Information

    Job Title

     

    Assistant Professor - Pedology and Land Use

     

    Posting Number

    P2262F

    Position Summary Information

    Job Description Summary

    The Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor – Pedology and Land Use. This position will be a nine-month tenure-track position with 60% research and a 40% teaching appointment. The projected start date is August 2026.

     

    **Responsibilities:** We are seeking an exceptional candidate to develop a dynamic, impactful, and innovative research program in soil management and pedology, with applications across agricultural, forested, urban, and natural landscapes. The successful applicant will employ advanced technologies and interdisciplinary approaches using pedology, hydropedology and geospatial analyses to investigate how land use affects soil properties and terrestrial processes. Alabama is a coastal state, and expertise in subaqueous soil environments is encouraged. The successful candidate will also interact with the Alabama Professional Soil Classifiers and serve as the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station representative to the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS ). This individual is expected to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program that makes meaningful contributions to soil science and secures competitive external funding.

     

    Teaching responsibilities include delivering 9 to 10 credit hours of instruction per academic year, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. The candidate will also advise graduate students, mentor undergraduate researchers, and coach our soil judging team. Strong written and interpersonal communication skills are essential for engaging with students, colleagues, and broader audiences in academic and outreach settings.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. from an accredited institution in soil science with training in pedology. The successful candidate will be able to describe, classify, and interpret soils in both field and laboratory settings usingNCSS standards such as _Soil Taxonomy_ and the _Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils_ . Proficiency in soil profile description and horizon identification is essential as these skills support soil survey activities, wetland delineation, and related conservation practices. Expertise in connecting soil morphology with hydrology, land use, and management is especially valuable for conservation planning and technical guidance.

     

    The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to building cross-disciplinary partnerships, developing an impactful research and teaching program, and engaging students through innovative and hands-on approaches. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills are essential for working with diverse audiences and fostering student success. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment and maintain work authorization throughout the term of employment.

    Desired Qualifications

    Candidates should be able to demonstrate an ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a regionally and nationally recognized research and teaching program.

     

    Special Instructions to Applicants

     

    Applicants should apply for the position by visiting the link: **https://www.auemployment.com/postings/56841** and attach the following:

     

    1. Cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position

    2. Current curriculum vita

    3. Copies ofALL academic transcripts

    4. Statement of research interests and accomplishments

    5. Statement of teaching philosophy and/or accomplishments

     

    When prompted during the on-line process, please provide names, email addresses and phone numbers for three (3) professional references. Only complete applications materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by the end of business on February 01, 2026. The search may continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position should be directed to: Dr. Thorsten Knappenberger, Search Committee Chair, email: **[email protected]**

     

    Posting Detail Information

     

    Salary Range

     

    85,000 to 95,000

     

    Open Date

     

    Close Date

     

    Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

     

    It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit theirwebsite (https://auburn.edu/administration/eoc/) to learn more.

     

    Open Until Filled

     

    No

     

    References required for this position?

     

    Yes

     

    If yes, minimum number requested

     

    3