Assistant Professor (0084571)

Assistant Professor (F3)

Department: Water Resources Research Center

Location: Honolulu, HI

Job Type: Full-time, tenure-track

Monthly Type: 11-month

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Position Number: 0084571

Opening Date: April 11, 2025

Closing Date: Continuous

Description:

Water Resources Research Center (WRRC), University of Hawai'i at Manoa, invites applications for a full-time, 11-month, tenure track, Assistant Professor (F3) position in the area of aquatic toxicology, position number 0084571. This appointment is expected to begin on August 25, 2025, or as soon as possible, subject to position clearance and availability of funds.
 

The WRRC (wrrc.hawaii.edu) is an Organized Research Unit of the University of Hawai‘i whose mission is to promote understanding of critical state and regional water resource management and policy issues through research, community outreach, and public education. WRRC supports water research across the campus and serves as the coordinating entity for water research and community engagement by faculty, staff, and students from all relevant disciplines.

The successful candidate will develop and maintain an active, externally funded research program in aquatic toxicology. This may include, but is not limited to, investigating the toxic effects and mechanisms of toxicity of emerging chemicals of concern such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sunscreen chemicals, petroleum and its degradation products, heavy metals, and various pesticides on a variety of microscopic and/or macroscopic aquatic organisms, conducting related risk and environmental health assessments, as well as addressing related monitoring needs. The research program is expected to be guided by the WRRC mission (https://www.wrrc.hawaii.edu/about/history/) and the needs of the stakeholders. Additionally, the person hired for this position will contribute to the educational mission of the University by supporting and advising graduate and undergraduate students, contributing guest lectures when called upon, and teaching courses as the instructor on record on a regular basis. The candidate will also provide services and actively participate in outreach activities to support the mission of WRRC, the University, the State, and the broader scientific community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Research (50%)

1. Develop and maintain a robust, externally funded research program in aquatic toxicology.
2. Address the State’s aquatic toxicology-related research needs and contribute to water quality and ecosystem health research aligned with WRRC missions.

1. Teaching (30%)

1. This position is expected to teach one (1) course per semester in aquatic toxicology or related fields.
2. Advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research projects; and may supervise research assistants and postdoctoral fellows, as required.
3. Deliver guest lectures in other relevant courses as requested by departments or faculty.

1. Service (20%)

1. Provide expertise to the WRRC’s stakeholders in developing strategies for mitigating aquatic toxicology and related environmental health issues; contribute to water resource policy development and environmental health initiatives.
2. Engage in community education and outreach efforts to increase awareness of aquatic toxicology issues.
3. Provide service to the University and broader scientific community, including participation in various committees, peer review, and professional organizations.
4. Participating in as well as organizing center-wide initiatives, workshops, and events.

• Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a closely related field from a university of recognized standing. 
• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications in aquatic toxicology or closely related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to establish an extramurally funded and internationally recognized research program in aquatic toxicology.
•  Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and lead assigned tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental sciences effectively at the university level.
• Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.

Desired Qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position):

• Demonstrated expertise in the study of emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, petroleum degradation products, microplastics, etc., and their environmental and health impacts.
• Demonstrated experience with emerging technologies such as multi-omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and AI/machine learning applications in aquatic toxicology research.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully securing competitive external research funding.
• Interest in contributing to the educational mission of the University through curriculum development, mentorship, and teaching in environmental toxicology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research settings.
• Demonstrated experience in working with federal or state governmental agencies on issues related to environmental health, toxicology, and water quality.
• Demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to addressing environmental health disparities.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Cover letter showing how they satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications;
• Official transcripts or original documentation from the institution confirming the degree (copies acceptable; however, official transcripts sent directly from the degree-granting institution are required upon hire).
• Curriculum Vitae; 
• A statement of research interests, activities, and plans. Content describing how candidate’s research will advance the Center’s mission and values should also be included in the statement (2-3 pages);
• A statement of teaching philosophy, interests, and plans (1-2 pages);
• Contact information of three academic and/or professional references.

The Appointments Committee will begin reviewing applications on May 30, 2025, and continue until the positions are filled.

For questions related to the position, please contact Dr. Marek Kirs (kirs@hawaii.edu).

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status.  For more information, visit:  https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

 Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
 
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
 
 
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/

Agency

University of Hawaii

Website

http://workatuh.hawaii.edu