Position Summary:

Title and Position: Assistant/Associate Professor (annual-year (12-month) appointment, tenure system) in the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University. This position is 60% Extension and 40% Research in the area of potato and sugarbeet pathology.



Background: Michigan State University is the Pioneer Land Grant University and is a national leader in agricultural research and extension programming. Michigan agriculture includes a wide diversity of cropping systems.



Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to provide leadership in extension and research activities associated with potato and sugarbeet pathology. The successful candidate will establish an externally funded extension and research program that advances our understanding in areas such as: biology of potato and sugarbeet pathogens, evolution of fungicide resistance, improvement in plant disease diagnostics, and the development of progressive approaches to enhance disease management for potato and sugarbeet while preserving profitability and environmental quality. The successful candidate is also expected to interact with producer and commodity groups for the development of research and extension activities and to provide a leadership role in solving plant disease problems affecting potato and sugarbeet. An integrative approach to both extension and research is expected, including working with multidisciplinary teams of research scientists, Extension specialists, Extension educators, and stakeholders. Active participation in the MSU Extension field crops and vegetable crops work teams and other MSU Extension work teams relevant to this position is essential. The successful candidate is expected to combine innovative research and information transfer to client groups, publish in refereed journals, and mentor graduate students.



The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) 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.
Faculty: Minimum Qualifications Support Staff: Minimum Requirements

PhD in Plant Pathology or a closely related field is required with demonstrated experience in applied research. Experience with potato and sugarbeet systems is not required. Extension experience is desirable but not required. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, be familiar with delivery of research-based information using multiple approaches, and demonstrate an ability to work effectively with other researchers, Extension educators, and clientele groups.
Desired Qualifications:

Experience with potato and sugarbeet systems is not required. Extension experience is desirable but not required. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, be familiar with delivery of research-based information using multiple approaches, and demonstrate an ability to work effectively with other researchers, Extension educators, and clientele groups.