Research Assistant Professor - Deputy Director Innovation Lab

Research Assistant Professor - Deputy Director Innovation Lab

Water for Food Institute-7500

F_230200

12/12/2023

01/15/2024

Yes

The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for a Deputy Program Director for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems at the rank of Research Assistant Professor. This 12-month (calendar year), non-tenure track appointment will support scientific direction and program implementation. The apportionment is 100% research. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Deputy Program Director for the Innovation Lab will provide scientific leadership for research related to sustainable agricultural water management in the Global South and particularly, Feed the Future target countries. As part of the Innovation Lab leadership, the Deputy Program Director will be expected to build and maintain strong networks with scientists and partners, development professionals, and industry in the U.S. and target countries and regions. In addition, the Deputy Program Director will be part of the program management team and support day-to-day management, including research planning, budgeting, performance monitoring, and reporting. The role will also support partnership growth and communication of research activity results to promote research into use and achieve overall development outcomes.
DWFI works to address the global challenge of achieving food security with less stress on water resources through water management in agricultural and food systems. With a wide network of faculty, partners, and other stakeholders, DWFI develops solutions to water and food security challenges by advancing research, policy, and technological innovations. DWFI also shares knowledge, brings thought leaders together, and fosters the next generation of leaders toward achieving its mission.
DWFI is leading the USAID-sponsored Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization through a cooperative agreement over five years (2023-2028) with the possibility for extension and renewal. Feed the Future Innovation Labs leverage U.S. university research to advance agricultural science and reduce poverty and food insecurity. The Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems program will provide scientific leadership and coordination for research, capacity development, and stakeholder engagement activities to contribute to smallholder access to suitable and sustainable mechanization and irrigation technologies and practices in the context of a changing climate while mitigating potential negative impacts on water resource availability and quality, and human health. Research and capacity development activities will be implemented in Feed the Future target countries, including Nepal, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana, Honduras, and Guatemala, as well as the potential to expand to other countries. Innovation Lab outputs and outcomes are expected to contribute to the U.S. Global Food Security Strategy objectives for strengthened resilience, improved nutrition, and agricultural-led economic growth in target countries. The Innovation Lab program will manage a portfolio of projects implemented by U.S., global, and target country universities, international agricultural research institutions, development organizations, and local partners.
Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and DWFI are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

• Ph.D. in a subject relevant to agriculture, water resources management, environmental sciences, agrifood systems, or a closely related field at the time of hire.
• Minimum of five (5) years work experiencein agricultural water resource management research, including in Global South low- and middle-income countries and/or developing or fragile contexts.
• Experience with smallholder agricultural systems.
• Lived working experience in the Global South and professional networks.

• An understanding of the Spanish language.

Lincoln, NE

Click “Apply for this Job” and then “Faculty Application.” Complete the information form and attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and a statement describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

Rachel Szelag
rszelag2@unl.edu

Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

12 Month (Faculty Only)

Yes

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