Water Sciences Laboratory Director

Nebraska Water Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The Nebraska Water Center, part of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is seeking applications for a Water Sciences Laboratory (WSL) Director at the rank of assistant, associate, or full research professor.

With a 100% administrative research apportionment, this 12-month (calendar year) non-tenure track, renewable appointment will have a 3-5 year initial appointment based on rank at time of hire. The position reports to the Nebraska Water Center director and leads all WSL activities, supervising a laboratory manager and technical staff, while supporting staff and users in day-to-day facility operations. This position is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and will be affiliated with an academic unit in IANR to ensure the incumbent has a pathway to promotion conforming to UNL policies and guidelines. To learn more about Lincoln, please visit About Lincoln | Nebraska.

Position Responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong communication skills, vision, and leadership for the WSL mission to provide advanced, high quality, defensible results for water and environmental research.
• Develop relationships with external stakeholders and the entire university system to support joint research and service projects, enhancing laboratory services to meet user requirements while implementing practical ways to maintain quality and improve operation efficiency.
• Coauthor publications and actively collaborate on contracts and grants, while working with the Nebraska Water Center to promote the facility to potential users on and off campus.
• Mentor laboratory users and staff to ensure timely processing of client samples, facilitate problem-solving, and assist the laboratory manager in implementing a robust quality assurance program.
• Prepare annual facility reports to the Office of Research and Innovation which integrate fiscal and technical input from an administrative advisory board, laboratory user group, and business office staff.

Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Nebraska Water Center are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental, Geological, or Materials Sciences.
• Experience conducting scientific research, developing analytical or isotopic methods, and operating and troubleshooting mass spectrometry-based equipment.
• Track record of relevant research publications showcasing advanced analytical techniques.
• Specialty in environmental sciences, water quality, and/or analytical method development commensurate with a research assistant professor or higher.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing laboratory operations, quality assurance, planning, or project management.
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with faculty and stakeholders across multiple disciplines and organizations.

About the Water Sciences Laboratory

The Water Sciences Laboratory (WSL) is a unique university core facility with a record of over 35 years of advancing the University of Nebraska’s water and environmental research programs, primarily supporting intensification of agricultural systems. With over $3.5 million in state-of-the-art equipment, the WSL delivers over 200 custom and standard analytical methods for testing water, wastewater, and sediments designed to serve academic researchers, governmental water managers, and the private sector. The laboratory features a robust quality assurance program, supporting clients with custom validated methods and detailed protocols supporting research proposals and publications aimed at advancing water-related research across the globe.

The lab’s continuously evolving analytical capabilities aim to accurately measure and evaluate agricultural and emerging contaminants in multiple compartments. Analytical methods support projects worldwide which help devise ways to evaluate contaminant occurrence and effects, while controlling and remediating contamination in agricultural settings. Thousands of samples are analyzed annually using state-of-the-art technologies together with carefully implemented quality controls demonstrating the lab’s commitment to provide high quality defensible data.

The facility operates and maintains more than thirty major instruments, most based on advanced mass spectrometry technologies, and uses an extensive laboratory information management system (LIMS) to track sample metadata, quality controls, and report client results. It is currently implementing a new cloud-based LIMS which will allow clients from across the globe to submit samples, select methods, and access their results online.

Learn more about the Water Sciences Laboratory at watersciences.unl.edu.

Organizational Affiliations

The Water Sciences Laboratory is part of the Nebraska Water Center and located in the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources campus. The Nebraska Water Center, established by Congressional mandate as one of 54 Water Resources Research Institutes in 1964, focuses on helping the University of Nebraska become an international leader in water research, teaching, extension, and outreach. Learn more about the Nebraska Water Center at watercenter.unl.edu and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at ianr.unl.edu.

The Water Sciences Laboratory and the Nebraska Water Center are embedded in the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI). Located at the University of Nebraska, 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. Learn more about DWFI at waterforfood.nebraska.edu.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin July 15, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. To apply, visit https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_260016. Click “Apply for this Job” and then “Faculty Application.” Complete the application and attach the following documents:

1. Letter of interest (2-page maximum) that describes your
   1. Qualifications for the job.
   2. Anticipated contributions in this role.
   3. Experience working in an advanced analytical laboratory.
   4. Anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters. See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.