Assistant Professor - Forestry

Agrilife; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University in Temple invites applications for a faculty position to lead a nationally recognized, externally funded research program focused on sustainability, health, productivity, and marketability of forested landscapes. The role emphasizes forest ecology, modeling, and stakeholder engagement within TAMU’s Blackland/Grassland network.

The candidate will develop simulation models, secure extramural funding, mentor graduate students, and disseminate findings through journals and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with strong academic/research program focused on forestry applications
• Excellence in verbal and written communication
• Highly organized, professional demeanor, ability to multi-task and collaborate
• Knowledge of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System
• Strong knowledge of forest ecology and related fields
• Research experience in forest modeling with biometrics and geospatial analysis
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed publications
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one
• Team-building, collaboration, and project management abilities
• Strong communication skills
• Preferred: prior academic/post‑doctoral experience, teaching, outreach, grant writing

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a nationally recognized, externally funded research program on forest landscapes
• Address critical forest resource issues (ecology, management, invasives, wildfire, watersheds)
• Develop and improve simulation models and disseminate findings
• Train graduate students and share models/tools with stakeholders
• Collaborate with TAMU Forest Service, Texas Forestry Association, and Extension agents
• Engage with industry, community partners, and outreach to ensure relevance
• Support Blackland Research Center and Texas A&M AgriLife Research missions
• Direct work of staff and graduate students; perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Forest ecology

Forest modeling

Biometrics

Geospatial analysis

Peer‑reviewed publications

Collaboration

Communication

Project management

Teaching (preferred)

Education

Ph.D. in forest science or closely related field

Tools

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Statistical software

Job description

* Establish and lead a nationally recognized, externally funded, and self-sustaining research program focused on the sustainability, health, productivity, and marketability of forested landscapes.* Conduct research addressing critical forest resource issues, including:* Forest ecosystem health and sustainability* Forest management systems to produce forage for domestic livestock and wildlife* Innovative strategies to protect forested landscapes from invasive species, wildfire, pests, extreme weather events, and other destructive agents* Watershed management and water quality in forested areas* Forest management for recreational purposes* Utilization of non-traditional forest products* Each research initiative will be designed to assess its impact on environmental sustainability, including atmospheric emissions and soil health metrics.* 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. The candidate is expected to develop and improve simulation models, secure extramural funding, train graduate students, and actively disseminate findings.* Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports and share models and tools with relevant stakeholders, land managers, and the broader scientific community.* Engage with forest industry professionals, community service providers, and entrepreneurs, and participate in outreach activities to ensure research relevance and applicability to stakeholders.* Collaborate with the Texas A&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.* Contribute to programming efforts that yield tangible, measurable impacts on the economic and ecological viability of forested landscapes across the region.* Directs the work of support staff, and other technical personnel and graduate students assigned to the project.* Performs other duties as assigned.* Ph.D. in an area of forest science or a closely related field by hire date. Candidates with a degree in a closely aligned field must demonstrate a strong academic background or research program explicitly focused on forestry applications.* Excellence in verbal and written communication.* Highly organized.* Professional demeanor* Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.* Ability to establish effective working relationships.* Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System.Strong knowledge of forest ecology and related fields of study. Research experience in forest modeling, including expertise in biometrics and geospatial analysis. Evidence of, or the ability to produce, peer-reviewed publications of original research. Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a valid driver’s license. Team-building skills, collaboration capacity, and project management abilities.Strong communication skills. **Preferred Qualifications:**Prior academic, post-doctoral, or professional experience. 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:**This position will be affiliated with the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology and contribute to departmental programs. Stationed at the Texas A&M AgriLife Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, the proposed faculty member will work with other Blackland faculty and collaborate with USDA-ARS scientists, USDA-NRCS, and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board staff in Temple. The Blackland Research Center and the collocated USDA-ARS Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory have a long history of modeling crop and grazing land production and their effects on soil and water resources. The Blackland/Grassland team of agricultural and natural resources scientists anticipate expanding the modeling program with a forest scientist equipped to take the lead in the simulation of forest systems production and environmental impacts from Texas, throughout the United States, and in tropical and arctic environments. The candidate will seek cooperators at all appropriate AgriLife units (especially Texas A&M Forest Service), both in College Station and across the State, as well as with Blackland collaborators in Texas, the United States, and internationally. Collaboration with industry and non-governmental organizations will also be encouraged. These proposed activities will support the missions and strategic plans of Blackland Research and Extension Center and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.class research programs in the department address fundamental questions in ecology, and related areas, at every level of ecological organization from genes to ecosystems, producing knowledge that is immediately applicable to the most pressing 21st century grand challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, ecological restoration, and integrative approaches to conservation.**Salary:** Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service. If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you.