Assistant Professor - Forestry

Texas A&M University; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Teacher Retirement System enrollment

Job summary

Texas A&M University seeks an Assistant Professor in Forest Ecology and Modeling Research, based at the Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, Texas. The role emphasizes developing and leading a research program focused on forest sustainability, health, and productivity.

The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research, collaborate with various professionals, secure extramural funding, and contribute to graduate student training. Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in a relevant field and demonstrate strong research and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required by hire date.
• Strong background in forestry with applied research experience.
• Ability to publish peer-reviewed research.

Responsibilities

• Lead research program in forest sustainability and productivity.
• Conduct applied research on land use and climate change impacts.
• Develop and apply simulation models and geospatial analyses.

Skills

Forest ecology knowledge

Research experience in forest modeling

Geospatial analysis

Strong communication skills

Team-building and collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in forest science or related field

Job description

Job Overview

Assistant Professor – Forest Ecology and Modeling Research (12‑month, non‑tenure track) at TexasA&M AgriLife Research. The position is fully research‑based, administratively located at the Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, Texas, and academically affiliated with the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at TexasA&M University in CollegeStation,TX. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized, externally funded, collaborative, and self‑sustaining research program focused on the sustainability, health, productivity, and marketability of forested landscapes in Texas and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a nationally recognized, externally funded, and self‑sustaining research program focused on forest sustainability, health, productivity, and marketability.
• Conduct fundamental and applied research on the impacts of forest land use, management practices, and climate change on forest ecosystem health and sustainability.
• Develop, refine, and apply simulation models, algorithms, and geospatial analyses to realistically simulate forest ecosystem dynamics under varying conditions of land use change, climate variability, and other environmental stressors.
• Leverage and contribute to data, models, and algorithms sourced from government, academic, and industry partners, including collaboration with other Blackland/Grassland research teams and their national and international networks.
• Secure extramural funding, train graduate students, and disseminate findings through peer‑reviewed journals, technical reports, and stakeholder outreach.
• Collaborate with the TexasA&M Forest Service, Texas Forestry Association, county extension agents, statewide faculty, and other forestry professionals to support applied research and outreach that addresses regional needs.
• Direct the work of support staff, technical personnel, and graduate students assigned to the project and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in an area of forest science or a closely related field by hire date (or evidence of a strong academic background in a closely aligned field).
• Strong knowledge of forest ecology and related fields, with research experience in forest modeling, biometrics, and geospatial analysis.
• Evidence of, or the ability to produce, peer‑reviewed publications of original research.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong team‑building, collaboration, project management, and organizational abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships and work cooperatively with others.
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior academic, post‑doctoral, or professional experience.
• Experience working with federal agencies or in multi‑agency collaborative settings.
• Modest teaching experience that will enhance graduate student success.
• Modest outreach experience with stakeholder interaction.
• Grant writing experience and evidence of the ability to attract external funding.

Location and Facilities

Stationed at TexasA&M AgriLife Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, Texas. The candidate will collaborate with USDA‑ARS scientists, USDA‑NRCS, and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board staff, as well as with TexasA&M University faculty and other AgriLife units.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with qualifications. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance; 12‑15 days of annual paid holidays; up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month; and automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Application Instructions

Applicants should upload a cover letter (two‑page limit), curriculum vitae, a list of three references with contact information, and a vision statement of research and service (two‑page limit). The application screening process will begin on October1,2025, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.