Overview

Utah State University’s Department of Plants, Soils and Climate seeks applications for a full-time 9 month tenure-track faculty position as a Controlled-environment agriculture Assistant Professor.

The successful applicant of this research (65%), teaching (30%), and service (5%) position will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program that integrates basic and applied science to develop and optimize controlled environment production systems for high value crops. Teaching is a vital part of this position, and the successful applicant will teach courses in whole-plant physiology and production of high value vegetables.

Areas of emphasis could include: the development of technologies and cultural practices that reduce water use and improve water use efficiency, increase production efficiency and product quality, optimize mineral nutrition using hydroponics and soilless substrates, optimize CO₂ enrichment, advanced lighting technologies, and the identification and selection of novel high-value crops with relevance to Utah producers. This position offers the opportunity to cooperate with our 40-year legacy of NASA-funded research on food production for deep space missions, which have direct implications for food production on Earth.

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2023, but applications will be accepted and fully considered after that date until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2024.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and research technicians.
Develop and teach senior undergraduate courses in whole-plant physiology and vegetable crops.
Publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline and compete successfully for external funding to support their scholarly programs.
Collaborate with a wide range of plant biologists. Controlled environments have historically been used to understand fundamental plant/environment interactions and thus predict plant responses in the field. This type of research is important to multiple disciplines, including entomologists, pathologists, geneticists and breeders.
Contribute to the department/college/university through service on committees.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD. in plant science, botany, or related discipline
Demonstrated knowledge of controlled-environment management practices for diverse plants
Record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals
Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain competitive funding
Experience with classroom or on-line teaching

Preferred Qualifications:

Expertise in fundamental plant research using controlled environments
Demonstrated communication skills across diverse audiences
Implementation of innovative and inclusive teaching via digital platforms
Evidence of effective mentoring of students and staff
Demonstrated experience and commitment to working across diverse communities and identities

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Applications must be submitted online. To review the full posting and apply, please visit: jobs.usu.edu

Please click the “join us” button and scroll down to find the position. Complete applications for this position must include the following items:

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
3-5 professional references with contact information
Documents below to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
- Cover Letter
- 1-2 page Research statement - Research statements should include information regarding your approach and work related to fostering diversity and inclusiveness.
- 1-2 page Teaching statement - Teaching statements should include information regarding your approach and work related to fostering diversity and inclusiveness.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation.

*updated 7/2023

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner,discrimination@usu.edu,Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

Utah State University jobs

Assistant Professor – Controlled-Environment Agriculture