Assistant Professor of Watershed Modeling and Data Analytics

Assistant Professor of Watershed Modeling and Data Analytics

The Ohio State University  

Columbus, OH

Department:

FAES | Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong research program funded through external grant support. They will advise graduate students in research relevant to advancing watershed modeling and data analytics to improve water quality in the state, Great Lakes region, and beyond. Ability to teach courses such as fluid mechanics, watershed hydrology, stream restoration, GIS, and chemical/nutrient fate and transport modeling will be viewed favorably. We invite the candidate to use OSU’s extensive network, experiment stations, and research assets in their research and teaching program. The candidate would have opportunities to engage with the College of Public Health, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, Ohio Water Resources Center, Sustainability Institute, and Translational Data Analytics Institute to advance multidisciplinary research efforts across the university system. The Ohio State University seeks qualified candidates for this tenure-track assistant professor position starting on or after Aug. 15, 2022.

The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in our profession. We are particularly interested in applications from individuals with diverse life experiences and whose scholarship addresses indigenous knowledge and lifeways; natural and/or cultural resources of importance to different groups of people; use of assistive technologies to enhance outdoor and/or nature-based learning; or enhancing the economic and social well-being of under-privileged or minoritized communities through environmental, outdoor, and/or nature-based education.

Specific Expectations and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide leadership to assemble, integrate, and analyze hydrology datasets including ground and surface water coupled with current and predicted precipitation to reduce nutrient pollution and preserve fresh water supplies. Candidates should have experience in quantifying how changes in climate and land cover impact solute transport and water flux through landscapes and in modeling interactions between land use, climate, water, and cropping systems. Modeling experience related to best management practices and their effects on pollution abatement is desired. One major focus for interdisciplinary research is the Lake Erie watershed and issues related to dissolved reactive phosphorus and harmful algal blooms. Additional expectations include: 1) integrate analytical techniques such as GIS, agent-based modeling, hydrological modeling and fluid dynamics, climate and weather, and/or large-scale nonlinear optimization; 2) develop and improve access to large data sets for whole systems analysis of watersheds at multiple scales; 3) use models to optimize BMP placement in a watershed to optimize return on investment; 4) provide leadership in developing tools for analysis and visualization that might range from apps to supercomputer software; and 5) develop and teach an interdisciplinary undergraduate/graduate watershed modeling course. Depending on the candidate’s areas of expertise, this position may be partially funded by Ohio State's Discovery Themes Initiative, a significant investment that leverages the university’s expansive scholarly resources, creativity, and shared commitment to make a global impact.   

Required Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include a PhD or ability to obtain a PhD by the end of 2022. Qualifications in biological and agricultural engineering, civil engineering, hydrological data science or engineering, or a closely allied discipline are required. It is essential that the candidate has knowledge of agricultural and peri-urban systems; excellent speaking and writing skills; ability and desire to work in interdisciplinary, interdepartmental Extension and research teams; and ability to support various Extension/outreach/continuing education trainings as well as to instruct undergraduate and graduate courses. The undergraduate program in Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering includes four specializations; the successful candidate would be responsible for supporting coursework in the Ecological Engineering specialization.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include experience developing or working in interdisciplinary research teams and experience in mentoring members of underrepresented groups. Registration as a Professional Engineer or demonstrated eligibility is desirable.

Application Process

Please send 1) a letter of interest describing your qualifications, areas of expertise, career goals, and alignment with preferred qualifications, where applicable; 2) a current CV; 3) statement of teaching experience and philosophy (max two pages); and 4) a statement of efforts to enhance diversity, inclusion, justice and/or equity in academic settings (max two pages). Application materials should be uploaded via Workday at https://osujoblinks.com/vimm

Initial consideration will be given to applications received by May 15. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled. We welcome informal inquiries, which can be made by contacting Dr. Ryan Winston, Search Committee Chair at:

Dr. Ryan Winston, Search Committee Chair

Assistant Professor

Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering

Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering

590 Woody Hayes Drive

The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH  43210-1058

Email: winston.201@osu.edu

Telephone: (614) 292-9354

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other bases under the law. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the Equal Employment Identification form.