Assistant/Associate Professor of Grain Production

Qualifications: A PhD or equivalent in agronomy, agroecosystems or a related field that merges cutting edge technologies with agronomic applications, and a commitment to collaborate in ... Read more

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Assistant/Associate Professor of Grain Production is a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Plant Science with 60% extension and 40% research responsibilities. The successful candidate will provide leadership for state- and nation-wide extension and research by developing a program that integrates a systems approach to sustainable grain crop production with the wide spectrum of rapidly emerging technologies.

The successful candidate will develop a strong nationally-recognized research program in grain production with extramural funds, train graduate students, and participate in both college and university level extension and research initiatives.

Possible research topics include: i) using high-fidelity spatial and temporal data for optimizing grain crop profitability, ii) developing cropping systems to improve crop resilience under abiotic and biotic stresses, and iii) supporting value-added and organic grain production systems, including improvement of crop nutritional or industrial quality.

The successful candidate will: i) lead the statewide Field and Forage Crops Extension Team, working with a multidisciplinary team of research scientists, extension specialists, and county-based educators, and ii) develop an innovative and highly visible extension program in grain crop management in the Mid-Atlantic Region that raises profitability and sustainability of the industry.

Agriculture in Pennsylvania and the Northeast region is diverse and close to large markets. Grain crops are integral to many farms as cash crops, livestock feed, and for value-added products. In addition to the multidisciplinary Extension Team, Interdisciplinary Institutes and facilities are available to our faculty such as the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, the Plant Institute, the Institutes for Energy and the Environment, and the Sustainability Institute, as well as Intercollege Graduate Programs in Ecology, Plant Biology, Bioinformatics and Genomics, and the USDA ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Laboratory.

Qualifications:

A PhD or equivalent in agronomy, agroecosystems or a related field that merges cutting edge technologies with agronomic applications, and a commitment to collaborate in multidisciplinary programs is required. The candidate must have strong written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to engage professionally with a diverse population from industry, grower associations, faculty, staff, and students from across the Commonwealth. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date.

Salary is competitive, commensurate with background and experience. An attractive benefits package is available.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Questions can be directed to: Dr. Heather Karsten at hdk3@psu.edu .

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and the review process will continue until the position is filled. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.