Research Assistant Professor in Temperate Agroforestry

The University of New Hampshire's Department of Natural Resources and the Environment seeks a dynamic, engaged scholar in the field of temperate agroforestry for the position of research assistant professor with a significant outreach component. Expectations of the position will be to develop an externally supported research program in agroforestry and contribute significantly to outreach activities, including playing a lead role in creating and maintaining the New England Agroforestry Training program at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Initial expectations of the position will be consistent with a 12-month appointment through the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. After an initial three-year appointment, the successful candidate will be expected to support 50% of their annual salary on external grants and contracts for the next two years, with the level of partial funding determined after the initial 5-year period. The ideal candidate will undertake research on adapting agroforestry practices to New England’s landscape to enhance sustainable and climate smart food production while ensuring the continued provisioning of important ecosystem services. Interests in interdisciplinary research and direct engagement with landowners, natural resource professionals, and other stakeholders are encouraged. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vibrant, externally supported research program and to integrate agroforestry within existing academic, research, and extension programs in forestry and agriculture at UNH. The research assistant professor faculty member will help oversee and participate actively in a 5-year USDA-funded agroforestry project being conducted on university research farms and cooperating farmers’ lands. As a research faculty member, the successful candidate will have the ability to mentor graduate students and postdoctoral scientists.Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.

Responsibilities

• Develop and carry out a vigorous externally funded research program and publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. (50%)
• Play a leadership role in designing and implementing the New England Agroforestry Training program, as well as supporting UNH’s cooperative extension program through training, outreach, and education. (30%)
• Responsibilities also include building partnerships with natural resource professionals and organizations, interacting with landowners, maintaining an Agroforestry network, and training and coordinating a team of Agroforestry Ambassadors to assist with promoting Agroforestry education and adoption. (10%)
• Contribute to outreach and service functions of the department, college, university, and professional societies. Contribute to programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department, college, and university. Promote an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities. (10%)

Qualifications

Minimum: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in forestry, agroforestry, or closely related discipline, and demonstrated potential to develop and lead a strong and productive research program, and to engage with Extension state and field specialists. A.B.D. considered with full degree completion prior to hire date.

Preferred: At least one degree from an institution accredited by the Society of American Foresters (or comparable professional accreditor outside the United States) is highly preferred, as is field experience in the management of forests and forest and agricultural crop resources. Familiarity with operational and applied research aspects of agroforestry, along with direct experience in outreach and engagement. Demonstrated success with grant writing and securing funding from diverse external sources to support research and outreach activities.

For more details, see: https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/62532