Assistant Professor of Soil Science and Natural Resources Management – Department of Biology

Summary: The Department of Biology at Grand Valley State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Soil Science and Natural Resources Management to begin Fall 2027. Applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field. We seek a dynamic and innovative educator who specializes in soil science and management. The successful candidate will contribute to our curriculum by teaching entry and upper division courses and mentoring student research. Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Natural Resources Management, or closely related field. Current ABD candidates will be considered for a two-year contract with the provision that the Ph.D. must be completed by December 2028.
• Potential for successful college-level teaching and active research in soil science and management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and cultural humility.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Evidence of effective teaching in soil science, soil management, and related natural resources courses at the undergraduate level, with a commitment to active and inclusive pedagogy.
• A record of applied scholarship that includes an active, student-centered research program.
• Experience with incorporating active learning strategies and innovative teaching practices inside and outside of the classroom.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to the broader mission of the Department and University.

Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate courses in soil science, soil management, and other related natural resource management courses based on departmental needs and candidate expertise.
• Develop and maintain an active research program that engages undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Participate in curriculum development, student advising, and departmental service activities.
• Mentor the GVSU Soil Judging Club.

Tenure-track faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are typically hired on nine-month contracts, with a nine-credit hour teaching load per semester. They are also expected to engage in scholarly activity, service, and a significant focus, which is equivalent to three credit hours of additional responsibilities in teaching, scholarly activity, and/or service depending on the successful candidate's interests and the department’s needs.

Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary: $80,300, commensurate with experience. 

Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire. 

Department: The Department of Biology at Grand Valley State University https://www.gvsu.edu/biology/ places an emphasis on teaching excellence using inclusive pedagogies, active scholarship with diverse learners, and equitable service to the university and community. Its 37 full-time faculty uphold the values of a liberal and sciences education while providing intensive engagement in the biological sciences. High-impact field and lab experiences and community collaboration are hallmarks of our relevant, interdisciplinary curriculum. There are numerous collaborative opportunities for faculty and students across a wide group of partners within the Department, across campus, and in the community. 

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest and most intellectually diverse college at Grand Valley State University, offering over 50 bachelor’s degree programs, badges, and certificates spanning the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan. GVSU has multiple campuses—the Valley Campus in Allendale, Michigan; the City Campus located in downtown Grand Rapids, which includes the Robert C. Pew and Health campuses; and several regional centers. The University attracts undergraduate and graduate students with its high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovation. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of more than one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. GVSU is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information on Community Resources can be found on the Community Resources page of the GVSU Human Resources website.

How To Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. To be considered for the position, applicants must upload the following items to the online application:

• A cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching philosophy statement
• Research statement including your motivation to conduct student-centered research
• Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts issued to students are acceptable)

The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need assistance, email Human Resources at [email protected]. Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Todd Aschenbach ([email protected]).

Application Deadline: Consideration of applicants will begin on November 6, 2026. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.