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Job Description

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources is seeking a dynamic, innovative, and interdisciplinary scholar to serve as a Research Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist with a focus on Forensic Agriculture. This is a 12-month, faculty position that combines responsibilities in teaching, research, and community-based extension. The successful candidate will integrate forensic science principles into agricultural contexts to educate, research, and empower both academic and youth audiences.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach undergraduate courses in Forensic Agriculture and related disciplines (e.g., Agricultural Science, Criminal Justice, Plant & Soil Sciences, or Environmental Science). Design and maintain innovative undergraduate curricula aligned with current forensic and agricultural standards. Advise and mentor undergraduate students, including guidance in undergraduate research projects and capstone experiences.

• Conduct original and applied research in Agricultural Science with Forensic Science applications, such as: Soil and crop traceability, Agricultural crime scene investigation and Evidence collection from agricultural environments.

• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and extension bulletins. Collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty, research institutes, and national experts in forensic and agricultural sciences.

• Design and lead youth-focused outreach programs, including: Educational workshops, Community-based projects and 4-H STEM initiatives centered on Forensic Agriculture.

• Collaborate with K-12 schools, law enforcement agencies, community centers, and agricultural extension offices to integrate forensic-based learning in non-traditional settings. Develop digital content and toolkits for educators and extension agents to expand program reach.

• Establish academic partnerships to support the creation of research centers, youth institutes, and community STEM labs focused on Forensic Agriculture.

• Engage with external stakeholders (e.g., state agencies, nonprofits, funders) to promote program visibility and impact.

• Seek external funding (grants, contracts, philanthropy) to support teaching, research, and outreach activities. Participate in faculty governance and contribute to college/university strategic goals and multiple initiatives. Participates in college-wide events.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Earned Ph.D. (or ABD with expected completion before appointment) in Agricultural Science, Forensic Science, Agricultural Education, Criminal Justice with Agriculture Emphasis, or a closely related field.

• No prior experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in area of specialization, ability to write grant proposals to secure external funding; development and implementation of extension programming; evidence of publishing in peer-reviewed journals; and participation in professional societies.

• Ability to communicate effectively.

• Competence in the use of personal computers; navigating communications, team collaboration, word processing and spreadsheet software; and using appropriate statistical-analysis software is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of teaching experience.

• Demonstrated scholarly productivity or strong research potential in forensic or agricultural sciences.

• Ability to design community-centered outreach and youth programs.

• Experience working with extension services, 4-H programs, or STEM youth development.

• Experience collaborating with law enforcement, schools, or agricultural stakeholders.

• A track record of successful grant writing and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Other Requirements:

• This position is primarily research-focused; however, candidates should be aware that they may be required to teach one or two courses as part of their appointment, depending on departmental needs and scheduling. Teaching responsibilities, if assigned, will be aligned with the candidate’s expertise and will not detract from their primary research obligations.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.