Job Title

Research Associate Professor/Research Professor & Assistant Director, Social Systems

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

The Social Systems and Allied Research Program is a subunit in the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center at Prairie View A&M University. Its mission is to identify and examine factors impacting the quality of life and well-being in rural America. It is the intent to engage in forward and broad thinking strategies that provide sustainable solutions to solve immediately existing problems in addition to laying the foundation for solving anticipated futuristic problems such as providing nutritious, healthy food for the world’s growing population. As a collective, the Social Systems research team, with its mission is to serve a typically underserved clientele, both the underserved individuals, families, rural businesses and communities. The commitment to address issues germane to rural communities is a reflection of the mission of the Land-Grant University of serving the underserved segment of our society. When the land grant system in the U.S. was established by the Morrill Act of 1862, the majority of Americans lived in and made their living from farming, ranching, timber harvesting and related endeavors. The Land-grant system set forth a concerted effort to ensure the well-being of this segment of our population. Our vision is that this mission is still relevant today. As we take a glance at rural America (see Rural America at a Glance, annual publication produced by USDA), by almost any matrix you may use, it is very obvious that rural America is suffering from a myriad of challenges. Educational disparities, health disparities, economic disparities, infrastructure, to name a few are challenges faced by rural individuals, families and communities.

The United States once found its rural lands occupied by family farms as generations took over the plots of land and continued their family tradition. Since 2010, Census data shows that 46 states have seen losses in their population, with the majority of them rural. Without thriving rural communities, the United States will continue to see increases in urban crowding and the loss of agriculture and manufacturing. The overall quality of life in these rural towns and communities will continue to decrease without sustainable work. This area of study will play a crucial role in providing guidance for aesthetic beauty and the well-being of society. It is important that rural communities find ways to make the towns more attractive to live in and attract new residents and prevent old residents from fleeing to cities. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to this problem. It has been suggested however, that Socioeconomic well-being may be achieved by individuals, families, and communities through public policies that ensure the ability to build knowledge and skills, access to safe and affordable financial products and economic resources, and opportunities for generating income and building assets and infrastructure.

The Social Systems Leader, in collaboration with the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, the Associate Dean (AD) for Academic Programs, and the Executive Associate Administrator of the Cooperative Extension program will establish the overall vision and oversee the operational management in regards to research priorities and the general development of research scientists (including faculty with split teaching-research-extension appointments and research faculty), postdoctoral fellows, research specialists and technicians, and student research interns within the Social Systems. As the chief administrative officer of the Social System s Research Program , the leader has the responsibility for the delivery of a robust program of research and related activities in accordance with CAFNR and the CARC regarding mission goals and objectives as spelled out in the PVAMU, CAFNR, CARC, Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) as well as the USDA/NIFA strategic plans. This position will have day-to-day management of staff and resources and operational strategies for the unit.

The position will support the work of System research scientists who are engaged in the design of relevant research projects and programs. It is pivotal for advancing research, education, and innovation in the field of social sciences.

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

Responsibilities:

• Pursue a viable research program related to high impact, ecofriendly and relevant social research.

• Attain and sustain excellence in research.

• Develop compelling research proposals to garner extramural funds for research and or extension.

• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications, workshops and conferences.

• Work closely with the system members, EAD for research, Department Head, and Extension counterparts to shape the long-term vision and roadmap for research within the system.

• Review and provide feedback on research proposals, ensuring alignment with CARC, CAFNR, and sponsoring organizations' mission and goals.

• Lead research teams to plan, monitor, implement, and complete project deliverables on time and within budgets.

• Evaluate faculty with split teaching-research appointments, research faculty, research specialists, research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and technician’s performance in coordination with the Associate Dean (AD) and Executive Associate Director (EAD) for Research (CARC).

• Assist in the development of CARC’s Plan of Work and Impact Statements.

• Monitor progress of all Social Systems research initiatives, working in coordination with scientists, and postdoctoral fellows.

• Oversee the Social Systems’ budget and resources and work closely with the EAD and research scientists to set priorities.

• Embrace and foster a culture to improve the success of research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and student research interns.

• Receive, review, investigate and resolve complaints/conflicts within the Social System.

• Work with faculty with split teaching-research-extension appointments to promote excellence in teaching, research, and service in accordance with the level of their appointment; facilitates faculty efforts at seeking external grant support.

• Work closely with other system chairs to foster cooperative/collaborative relationships and a shared vision.

• Foster and develop a culture of collaborative partnership beyond the boundaries of PVAMU.

• Work to foster, strengthen, and integrate relationships and collaborations among three strategic areas (Academics, Extension, Research).

• Support team members to enhance publications and recognition through high-quality research.

• Work closely with the Information, Impact, and Sustainability Center (IISC) to ensure press releases highlighting the key findings of the Social Systems’ research and distribute them to media that cater to general audiences and update web content regularly.

• Participate in College-wide/University/TAMUS Cooperative/Collaborative partnerships.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of CARC, Assistant Director of CARC, Associate Dean of Academic Programs, and the Dean/Director of Land-Grant Programs.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, Humans sciences and/or a closely related social sciences discipline.

• 7+ years of experience in leading a multidisciplinary group of researchers.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven record of publications in related field.

• Proven record in securing external grant funding.

• A record of collaborations, involvement in professional development, and student research engagement activities.

• Must be excellent in written/oral communications with high proficiency in scientific English.

Other Requirements:

• Weekend or evenings work may be required occasionally.

• This position may require some travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and/or closely related social science discipline with a sub-specialization and/or experience working directly with rural communities.

• Time management skills to be able to prioritize activities, especially when there is a high volume of tasks.

• Communication skills to be able to communicate with internal research members or collaborators and understand their needs.

• Strong organizational skills to perform multiple tasks.

• Ability to use basic computer programs including Microsoft Office 365 and a willingness to learn other statistical tools.

• Flexibility to move between activities and duties quickly if priorities change.

Job Posting Close Date:

• Until Filled

Required Attachments:

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:

All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process.

Background Check Requirements:

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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

For more than 140 years, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has been igniting passion in its students. With an established reputation for producing engineers, nurses, and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degree programs through nine colleges and schools. The University has an enrollment of more than 8,500 students. Designated an institution of “the first class” in the Texas Constitution, PVAMU is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state and a member of The Texas A&M University System.  The University is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service. PVAMU is conveniently located near the rapidly growing residential and commercial area known as the Northwest Houston Corridor. The developing Northwest Houston Corridor offers newly developed suburban communities, a variety of shopping and dining near the Houston Premium Outlets and is a short, 35-minute commute into downtown Houston.

For more information, visit www.pvamu.edu .

Your career opportunities with a “University of the First Class” begins here!

Prairie View A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.

If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (936) 261-1730.

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