Position Summary

The Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University invites applications for a full‐time, 12-month tenure track Assistant Professor with a 30% research, 40% teaching, and 30% Extension/outreach assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2024.

The incumbent will develop an extension and applied research program responsive to issues and opportunities facing small-scale vegetable producers and diversified farming operations in Michigan and beyond -- building collaboratively on MSU faculty strengths in plant nutrition, soil health management, sustainable weed and pest management, and community food systems -- to improve vegetable crop production, beginning and established farmer success, and environmental quality. The emphasis will be on development of sustainable approaches for small-scale intensive vegetable production systems with relevance to traditionally underserved, urban producers; as well as new and expanding organic producers in Michigan, the Midwest and nationally. Potential areas of research include but are not limited to: season extension strategies including protected (hoophouse or greenhouse) food and transplant production; advances in scale-appropriate production technologies; innovative crop rotation strategies; production-relevant plant/soil/microbe interactions in the rhizosphere or phyllosphere; production system impacts on food quality, security and human nutrition; and evaluation/selection of germplasm for organic production/markets. Research/extension relevant to international small-holder vegetable production is also encouraged.

In accomplishing the above, the successful candidate is expected to procure (collaboratively and/or as lead) extramural and intramural grant funding. Additional expectations include timely publishing in peer-reviewed and industry trade journals; mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; and participation in leadership activities in regional, national, and international professional associations. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations exist with faculty in allied programs, such as community sustainability and food systems, soil ecology and microbiology, plant pathology, entomology, nutrition, agricultural engineering, and international programs.

Instructional responsibilities will include teaching a required undergraduate course in Organic Farming Principles and Practices (HRT 251), additional classroom or online modules [e.g., Passive Solar Greenhouses for Protected Cultivation (HRT 242), Organic Transplant Production (HRT 243), Compost Production and Use (HRT 253)], and contributing to a graduate course/seminars within the successful candidate’s area of expertise. In addition, the candidate will help supervise undergraduate internships of students in the Sustainable and Organic Production concentration of our Bachelor of Science in Horticulture degree and participate in relevant undergraduate and graduate program committees. Research in the scholarship of teaching and learning relevant to agricultural experiential education, as well as the College of Education and College of Natural Sciences, is also a potential focus depending upon the successful candidate’s interest/expertise.

The successful candidate will work closely with our vegetable production Specialists and statewide Educator teams in MSU-Extension’s Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute and MSUE’s Community, Food and Environment Institute. The successful candidate will help in disseminating information to small-scale sustainable stakeholders through industry and community partnerships at the state, as well as national, level. Additionally, helping to develop and strengthen ties with farmers, grower organizations, existing/allied small farm outreach and experiential learning programs at MSU and beyond will be valuable contributions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Horticulture or related field

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in Horticulture or a related field
Knowledge/experience in sustainable and/or organic horticultural production
Knowledge, skills, and passion for teaching and mentoring
Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary research and extension teams and farmer and grower organizations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills appropriate for scientific and grower constituencies
Demonstrated capacity to conduct and publish independent, original research

Desired Qualifications

Two or more years of diversified vegetable production and research experience
Teaching, extension, and team management experience
Ability to develop and/or conduct online courses
Experience in competitive proposal writing and grant management
Experience with small scale production systems at the international level
Experience with outreach/collaboration with diverse farmers and grower organizations including those working in urban settings.

Required Application Materials

letter of application that briefly summarizes your (Outreach/Extension, Research and Teaching) qualifications and accomplishments
current curriculum vitae
statements of Outreach/Research/Teaching philosophies that highlights your experience and alignment with the position description and qualifications a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals
contact information for three professional references.

Special Instructions

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on October 2, 2023 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/02/2023

Website

hrt.msu.edu

Department Statement

Horticulture and plant science: The incumbent will join a large and well-established plant science extension and research team with a diversity of expertise in horticulture, agroecology, plant physiology, plant pathology, nematology, entomology, soil science, genetics, biochemistry, and marketing; as well as a network of Extension Educators across the state. MSU is a global leader in basic and applied plant science research, outreach and teaching, with over 150 faculty members engaged in programs ranging from sustainable agriculture and ecology to breeding, genomics and biochemistry. State-of-the-art gardens, laboratories, and controlled environment- and field-based facilities are available for extension programming and applied research. Plant science faculty, staff, and students represent an inclusive, diverse community committed to the advancement of science and the recruitment and retention of persons from richly varied backgrounds and perspectives to maintain and enhance the excellence of the University.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view Horticulture’s community norms and other DEI information at (https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/).

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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Assistant Professor – Small Scale/Sustainable Vegetable Production Horticulture