Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

The Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State University seeks applicants with expertise in water quality and contaminant mitigation for a tenure-track faculty position with the rank of assistant professor (preferred), associate professor or professor (considered in exceptional cases). Areas of interest include detecting and mitigating emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), pesticides) in surface and groundwater, with interconnections to sustainable wastewater treatment for resource recovery and nutrient removal to enable circular economies in municipal and agricultural contexts.

This position is one of several water-related thematic team hires that will join K-State across multiple departments. Each of these positions will hold a scholarly connection to the Kansas Water Institute and will join an interdisciplinary cohort of water-related faculty with the opportunity to collaborate on research, teaching, and engagement. The Kansas Water Institute develops and supports interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach on high-priority water resources problems and objectives identified through the state water plan. The institute also facilitates effective communication among water resource professionals and works to share and apply research results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental engineering, water quality, and/or wastewater treatment.
• Establish a nationally recognized, externally funded research program in:
  
  
  
  • Detection and mitigation of traditional (e.g., nitrate and other nutrients, uranium) and emerging contaminants (PFAS, PPCPs, pesticides)
  • Sustainable wastewater treatment for nutrient recovery and reuse
  • Circular economy strategies for water and wastewater systems, and/or
  • Interfaces with agriculture and municipal systems for water sustainability
  
  
  
  
• Collaborate across K-State and with the Kansas Water Institute.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to professional societies, outreach, and university service.

Kansas State University's Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is the oldest and largest engineering program in Kansas, nationally recognized for excellence in education, research, and service. The college is committed to addressing critical societal challenges-including water sustainability and resilience-through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural, Biological, Civil, or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Evidence of scholarly achievement and potential to secure external research funding.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• University-level teaching experience.
• Record of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Preferred licenses / registrations / certifications:

• Professional Engineering (P.E.) licensure, or ability to pursue licensure.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications and interests.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Statements of teaching philosophy and research interests (1-2 pages each).
4. Contact information for at least three professional references.

Applications close on: December 15, 2025

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.