POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR: CROPPING SYSTEMS AGRONOMY COLLEGE OF FOOD, AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
POSITION: Asst. Prof. in Cropping Systems Agronomy; 9-month, tenure-track appointment, 50% research, 50% teaching REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: Review will begin September 30, 2018. LOCATION: This position will be located at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; the tenure and departmental home for the faculty member will be the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, on the University’s campus in St. Paul, Minnesota. OVERVIEW: Opportunities exist to enhance the biological diversity of cropping systems of the Midwest region. Such diversification faces significant implementation challenges, but has high potential to increase overall productivity, profitability, resource conservation, and resilience to environmental stresses in Midwest cropping systems. The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics seeks to build faculty capacity related to design and implementation of diversified cropping systems that can realize these potentials. RESPONSIBILITIES: The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics seeks applicants for a 50% research/50% teaching position as an Assistant Professor of Cropping Systems Agronomy. We seek applications from individuals with research interests and experience relevant to diversification of cropping systems. Research responsibilities include development of a nationally-recognized research program, supported by extramural funding. The position will focus on development of diversification strategies that increase overall productivity, profitability, resource conservation, and resilience to environmental stresses in Midwest cropping systems. Diversification strategies can address and encompass a wide range of scales (e.g., genotypic, species mixtures, landscape patterns), cropping system structures (e.g., crop rotations, intercropping, diversified landscapes), and other relevant management factors. Teaching responsibilities will encompass introductory and advanced agronomy and cropping-systems courses, and include active and experiential learning. Responsibilities of the position also include participation in educational leadership, including development of new curricula addressing cropping systems for the 21st century, program representation within the College and with stakeholder groups, and advising and mentoring graduate students. QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Ph.D. in a relevant field, including but not restricted to agronomy, agroecology, ecology, genetics, soil ecology; teaching experience; and a record of publication. Desired: Postdoctoral research experience; interest and experience with contemporary approaches to education, such as student-centered, active, and experiential learning, and digital learning technologies; commitment to graduate education; interest in, experience with, and commitment to diversity and intercultural competence; publication in prominent peer-reviewed scientific journals; extensive experience in interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and ability to communicate with a wide range of sectors and stakeholders. SALARY: Commensurate with background and level of experience. APPLICATION: Apply through the University of Minnesota online employment system, responding to Requisition # 307744, and include (as a single PDF) a cover letter, CV, a two-page statement of research interests and accomplishments, a two-page statement of teaching interests and experience, a one-page statement describing interests and experience in activities that enhance diversity and inclusion in higher education, and names and contact information for three professional references. For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Nick Jordan, search committee chair by email (jorda...@umn.edu) or phone (612-625-3754). For assistance in the online application process, please contact Ms. Jeanne Davy at davyx...@umn.edu, or 612-625-1937. NOTE: The University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs and facilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. People from groups that are underrepresented in agronomy are strongly encouraged to apply.
