Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences (Organic Biogeochemist) | University of Kentucky, USA
Quick Overview
The University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is seeking applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Plant and Soil Sciences, with a focus on Organic Biogeochemistry. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment with approximately 80% research, 15% teaching, and 5% service responsibilities, and an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.
The selected candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program in organic biogeochemistry, with emphasis on agroecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and the critical zone. The position requires the application of advanced analytical, mass spectrometry, and/or spectroscopic techniques to improve understanding of molecular-level processes involved in the fate and cycling of natural organic matter, its interactions with anthropogenic organic contaminants and nutrients, and the implications for climate change, agricultural productivity, soil and water quality, and human health. This is an exceptional opportunity for a scientist seeking to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program within a leading land-grant institution.
Key Details
| Position | Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences (Organic Biogeochemist) |
| Organization | University of Kentucky (Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment) |
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky, USA |
| Department | Plant and Soil Sciences (81060) |
| Type of Position | Faculty – Tenure Track, Full-Time |
| Qualification | PhD in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas |
| Salary | Negotiable, commensurate with training and experience |
| Start Date | July 1, 2027 |
| Deadline | November 1, 2026 (for full consideration); open until filled |
| Apply Via | University of Kentucky electronic application process |
About the Department and University
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MGCAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. For more than 130 years, MGCAFE has provided research results to the community, offering science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. From traditional labs and research farms to high-tech diagnostic and research centers, the college integrates teaching, research, and extension in its work. Its Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, addressing needs in agriculture, natural resources, 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community and economic development.
University of Kentucky is Kentucky’s flagship university and a land-grant institution with over 27,500 undergraduate and 9,500 graduate students. The university has a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Gold level Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists, and a STARS Silver Rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The university is geographically near downtown Lexington, a thriving community of 320,000+ with a strong commitment to quality of life, education, and the arts, located in the internationally acclaimed Bluegrass Region.
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has well-established programs in soil science, agroecosystem ecology, environmental sciences, plant biology, and crop science. The selected candidate is strongly encouraged to collaborate with researchers across these programs, with other MGCAFE departments, and with researchers across campus focused on carbon cycling and environmental fate and transport of organic contaminants.
Key Responsibilities
Research (80%)
- Develop a nationally and internationally recognized program in organic biogeochemistry with emphasis on agroecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and the critical zone.
- Apply advanced analytical, mass spectrometry, and/or other spectroscopic techniques to improve understanding of molecular-level processes.
- Investigate the fate and cycling of natural organic matter and its interactions with anthropogenic organic contaminants and nutrients.
- Address implications for climate change, agricultural productivity, soil and water quality, and human health.
- Obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.
- Collaborate with researchers in soil science, agroecosystem ecology, environmental sciences, plant biology, and crop science.
Teaching (15%)
- Develop a graduate-level course in environmental and agricultural organic analytical chemistry/applied mass spectrometry, taught every other year.
- Serve the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences graduate program and graduate programs across campus focused on environmental sciences.
- Teach an undergraduate course focused on biogeochemistry and/or climate change during alternate years.
Service (5%)
- Provide service to the department, college, university, professional society, and/or society at large, in line with the land-grant mission.
Candidate Profile
Required:
- Earned doctorate in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas.
- Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability or clear potential to obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.
- Commitment to teaching at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
- Ability to collaborate across disciplines and with diverse research teams.
Preferred:
- Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry.
- Expertise in high-resolution mass spectrometry.
- Experience with advanced analytical or spectroscopic techniques.
- A record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.
- Prior experience developing and teaching courses at the graduate or undergraduate level.
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Tenure-track faculty (Assistant or Associate Professor) |
| Appointment | 12-month, full-time |
| Research/Teaching/Service | Approximately 80% research, 15% teaching, 5% service |
| Salary | Negotiable, commensurate with training and experience |
| Retirement | Generous university contributions to retirement plans |
| Medical Coverage | Comprehensive medical coverage |
| Life Insurance | Provided by the university |
| Optional Benefits | Dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans, and more |
| Work-Life Integration | Strong institutional focus on total well-being and career development |
| Start Date | July 1, 2027 |
Application Tips
- Prepare a compelling cover letter – Begin with your approach to the position’s responsibilities, your qualifications, and your vision for innovative and impactful research programs that address existing and emerging issues.
- Include your full legal name and ORCID – The CV must include your full legal name as it appears on your passport and ORCID, if available.
- Write strong research and teaching statements – Upload these as “Specific Request 1.” Clearly articulate your research vision and teaching philosophy.
- Provide three references – Include names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers of three individuals from whom letters may be requested.
- Highlight mass spectrometry expertise – Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry, especially high-resolution mass spectrometry, is highly desirable.
- Demonstrate funding potential – The committee expects the incumbent to obtain extramural funding; highlight any grants, fellowships, or funding experience.
- Show collaboration readiness – Emphasize your ability to work with researchers across soil science, agroecosystem ecology, environmental sciences, plant biology, and crop science.
- Submit by November 1, 2026 – Applications received by this date will receive full consideration, though the position remains open until filled.
Why This Position Matters (My Analysis)
Organic biogeochemistry sits at the intersection of soil science, environmental chemistry, and climate change research. Understanding the molecular-level processes governing the fate and cycling of natural organic matter — and its interactions with contaminants and nutrients — is essential for addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, including climate change, water quality degradation, and sustainable agricultural productivity. This faculty position at the University of Kentucky offers a rare opportunity to build a research program that bridges fundamental science and real-world impact.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment provides an ideal environment for this work. With well-established programs in soil science, agroecosystem ecology, and environmental sciences, the department offers rich opportunities for collaboration. The college’s land-grant mission ensures that research findings translate into practical solutions for farmers, communities, and policymakers. The emphasis on collaboration across campus — particularly with researchers focused on carbon cycling and environmental fate and transport of organic contaminants — positions the successful candidate to make meaningful contributions to interdisciplinary science.
For early-career scientists, this tenure-track position offers the stability, resources, and support needed to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program. The 80% research allocation provides substantial time for scholarship, while the teaching responsibilities offer the opportunity to train the next generation of scientists in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and biogeochemistry. Lexington’s location in the Bluegrass Region — an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape and agricultural region — provides an inspiring setting for research on agroecosystems and the critical zone. This is an exceptional opportunity for a biogeochemist seeking to combine cutting-edge research with impactful teaching and service at a leading land-grant university.
Apply Now
Application: Through the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (outlining approach to responsibilities, qualifications, and vision for research)
- Curriculum Vita (including full legal name as on passport and ORCID, if available)
- Statements of research and teaching interests and experiences (upload as Specific Request 1)
- Names and contact information of three references
- Deadline: November 1, 2026 (for full consideration); open until filled
- Location: Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Organization: University of Kentucky (Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment)
Questions and Nominations:
Dr. Jason Unrine, Chair, Search Committee
N-122T Agriculture Science Center North, 1100 S. Limestone, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40546-0091
Phone: 859-257-1657
Email: jason.unrine@uky.edu
Web: https://personnel.mgcafe.uky.edu/directory/unrine-jason
Application Assistance: HR/Employment, phone (859) 257-9555, press 2, or email ukjobs@email.uky.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the position? A tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Plant and Soil Sciences, specializing in Organic Biogeochemistry.
- Where is the position located? Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
- What is the qualification requirement? An earned doctorate in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas.
- Is post-doctoral experience required? Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry, especially high-resolution mass spectrometry, is desirable but not required.
- What is the appointment type? Full-time, 12-month, tenure-track position with approximately 80% research, 15% teaching, and 5% service.
- What is the salary? Salary is negotiable and commensurate with training and experience.
- When does the position start? The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.
- What is the application deadline? November 1, 2026, for full consideration; the position remains open until filled.
- What documents do I need to submit? Cover letter, CV (including full legal name and ORCID), statements of research and teaching interests (Specific Request 1), and contact information for three references.
- Who can I contact for questions? Dr. Jason Unrine, Chair of the Search Committee, at jason.unrine@uky.edu or 859-257-1657.
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