Environmental Geobiology Faculty Position: Kansas State University

Environmental Geobiology Faculty Position: Kansas State University

The Department of Geology at Kansas State University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Environmental Geobiology, at the rank of Assistant Professor. Compensation is based on the nine-month academic year, although two months summer salary may be negotiated for up to two years. A competitive startup package is available. The position will start no later than August 2012 and may begin earlier if mutually agreeable.

Research Area: A strong background and continued interest in geological processes is required. Preference will be given to candidates with interests in mineral/microbe interaction, microbe/groundwater interactions, bioweathering, and microbial geochemistry. Experience in applying both field-based studies and laboratory bioanalytical procedures to problems in geologic environments is highly desirable. Strong interest in initiating or contributing to interdisciplinary research programs is essential.

Research Expectations: Candidates must have a strong background (at least one degree) in geology or a closely related field, such as geobiology/geomicrobiology, and must have the Ph.D. in hand by the beginning of employment. Some pertinent postdoctoral experience would be desirable but not essential. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong, externally funded research program that will complement the research of other faculty members in geology and in related fields across the university. Collaborations with faculty at Kansas State University and other universities and institutions are encouraged.

Other Expectations: Kansas State University is a Land Grant institution, and as such, has a strong teaching mission. Candidates must have excellent teaching skills and a dedication to working with undergraduate as well as graduate students. Although most teaching will be in the classroom, there is an increasing expectation for introducing undergraduates to research as well. Service, although a small part of our expectations, includes committee work and similar sharing of department and university administrative duties, as well as participation in professional societies. Candidates should value working with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds.

Kansas State University: The University (http://www.ksu.edu/) has approximately 24,000 students, including nearly 2500 graduate students, housed in 9 colleges with major strengths in the basic sciences, agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine, with extramural sponsored research awards of about $150 million. The University is aggressively implementing a plan to be nationally recognized as a top 50 public research university by 2025. In conjunction with this plan, the Department of Geology is hoping to initiate a doctoral program in the near future.Opportunities for collaboration within the university are many and varied. (see, for example, http://www.ksu.edu/directories/research-facilities.html).

At present the Department of Geology (http://www.ksu.edu/geology) has nine tenured faculty members, 17 M.S. students, and over 60 undergraduates. Analytical and computational resources are available within the department and across campus. We have a very supportive alumni group, and despite the present recession are able to provide research and travel funds for our graduate students.
Location: Manhattan (http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/) is a university town (population ~50,000) located in the tallgrass prairie of the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas approximately 2-3 hours drive from Kansas City, Wichita, and Lincoln, Nebraska.

Application: Interested applicants should submit, as an email attachment, a single PDF file that includes a letter of application, a detailed CV, and separate, concise statements of teaching interests, research interests, and future goals. Applicants must also arrange for at least three signed letters of reference, from referees familiar with the applicant’s teaching and scholarship, to be sent by the referees directly to: Geobiology Faculty Search, Department of Geology, 108 Thompson Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-3201, USA. Questions about this position may be referred to Dr. Saugata Datta (tel: 785-532-2241 or email: ). Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2011 and continue until the position is filled. Kansas State University is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees. A successful pre-employment background check is required before a job is offered.