Assistant or Associate Professor - Environmental Chemistry and Contaminant Hydrology

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for an assistant or associate professor in Environmental Chemistry and Contaminant Hydrology. The 9‑month, tenure‑track appointment emphasizes research (50%) and teaching (50%) focused on contaminant fate and transport in the critical zone, with a Nebraska/Great Plains orientation.

The ideal candidate will publish in peer‑reviewed journals, teach undergraduate environmental science courses such as Soils, Environment and Water Quality and Soils,

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental science, water science, environmental chemistry, natural resources or a directly related field by appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Training and experience in environmental chemistry.
• Experience or interest in working in agriculturally dominated landscapes of Nebraska and the Great Plains.

Responsibilities

• Apply core physical science to advance understanding of contaminant fate and transport in the critical zone.
• Collaborate with Nebraska/region research teams and partner with centers like CRAWL and related divisions.
• Teach undergraduate courses within the Environmental Science degree; mentor students and develop workshops or digital badges.

Skills

Environmental Chemistry

Hydrology

Soil-Water Systems

Education

PhD in environmental science or related field

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Assistant or Associate Professor - Environmental Chemistry and Contaminant Hydrology

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See: Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title

Working Title Assistant or Associate Professor - Environmental Chemistry and Contaminant Hydrology

Department

Department School of Natural Resources-0844

Requisition Number

Requisition Number F_260150

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 11/09/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 01/04/2027

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln ( UNL ) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( IANR ) is seeking applications for an assistant or associate Environmental Chemistry and Contaminant Hydrology professor. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, this 9-month (academic year), tenure-track appointment will explore how historical and current management in agricultural working landscapes affects the fate and transport of contaminants in the critical zone, including nutrient and pesticide legacies, agricultural and industrial chemicals, and/or emerging contaminants, and assess the vulnerability and resilience of soils, groundwater, and surface waters to these pressures. The apportionment is 50% research and 50% teaching.

Specific duties for this position are:

• Applying core physical science expertise within environmental science (environmental geology, contaminant hydrology, environmental chemistry, ecological or environmental engineering, or similar) to advance understanding of contaminant fate and transport in the critical zone (Earth’s near-surface environment).
• Working in collaborative research teams with a focus on Nebraska and region. Complement existing strengths of the School of Natural Resources, Conservation and Survey Division, and the Center for Resilience in Agricultural Working Landscapes ( CRAWL ), which include resilience theory, ecology, biogeochemistry, water science, geoscience, and cyberinfrastructure.
• Teaching efforts will be dedicated to undergraduate education within the Environmental Science degree program in the School of Natural Resources. Develop innovative approaches to provide learning experiences while teaching annually Soils, Environment and Water Quality and Soils, Water, and Environmental Chemistry ; the candidate may teach additional introductory course as needed. The incumbent will be charged with mentoring to launch environmental science careers, including engagement with academic, industry and agency partners will inform workforce development and pathways to scientific careers through coursework taught. Development of workshops, pop-up courses, and/or digital badges is encouraged.

Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( IANR ) and [unit name] are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in environmental science, water science, environmental chemistry, natural resources or a directly related field at the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in appropriate peer‑reviewed journals.
• Training and experience in environmental chemistry.
• Experience or interest in working in agriculturally dominated landscapes of Nebraska and the Great Plains.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to obtain competitive extramural funding.
• Experience in applying concepts of resilience, socio‑environmental, or systems frameworks to address complex environmental problems.
• Successful experiences teaching and/or mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Practical experience in disseminating information to a variety of stakeholders.
• Postdoctoral, college/university faculty, or similar experience in environmental chemistry, hydrology, or related research.

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Criminal History Background Check Required

Job Category

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Faculty Tenure/Tenure Leading

Job Type

Job Type 9 Month

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date

Appointment End Date

Organizational Location

Organizational Location Default Location

Supplemental Questions

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