This is a continuing-track (non-tenure) Extension Plant Pathologist/Assistant Professor position with 80% extension and 20% research appointment and reports to the Chair of the Plant and Soil Sciences Department in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Input on work expectations and performance will be provided by the Director of Cooperative Extension. This position is located at the Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown, DE.

Position Description:

The agricultural industry is vital to the economy of Delaware and a diverse range of economically important crops is grown in the state, including agronomic and horticultural crops. The Extension Plant Pathologist will develop and lead a statewide extension program in plant pathology that supports Delaware's agricultural industry. The primary focus will be on agronomic crops including soybeans, corn and small grains with additional collaborative efforts on disease management in other regionally important crops. This primary focus will be actualized through translational science in the form of educational programming on disease management. The successful candidate will serve as an expert source in plant pathology for agronomic crops, in-field diagnosis of plant diseases and related crop health issues, monitoring diseases in the state, and developing and reviewing plant disease control recommendations. Extension responsibilities will include development of effective and impactful educational materials and training for a broad clientele base that includes farmers, crop consultants, ag-business, state and federal cooperators, and Cooperative Extension educators. The position will work to increase the use of integrated pest management practices for management of plant diseases including resistant varieties, nematode management strategies, crop rotations, crop management, disease monitoring, and forecasting and maintenance of misted nursery trials for small grains. The incumbent will collaborate with various Cooperative Extension personnel and other research colleagues including those working in areas of plant pathology, integrated pest management and production agriculture at the university, state, regional and national level. Publication and distribution of regional pest control guides and production guides for the Mid-Atlantic region are an example of expected collaborations. The candidate is expected to seek external funding to support their program and publish results in scientific journals. Preferred candidates will have a strong fundamental background in plant pathology and experience in agronomic crops.

Qualifications

The candidate must have a Ph.D. in a discipline related to plant pathology. Extension experience is strongly preferred and research experience is highly desirable. Candidates must have the ability to conduct applied research and educational programs that address plant disease management. The ability to problem-solve, as well as integrate research findings into development of educational and training materials is crucial. Candidates must have the interest and ability to work collaboratively as well as the flexibility to communicate with individuals of diverse backgrounds ranging from academic to the general public, and must possess aptitude for both leadership and team membership roles. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Salary and Benefits

Commensurate with experience and training. The University of Delaware provides an excellent employee benefit package including health and dental insurance, retirement contributions, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, and tuition remission for family members. Further, UD offers assistance to help spouses and partners of new faculty find regional employment.

Facilities

The University of Delaware's campuses are located in Newark, Lewes and Wilmington, DE. The University has a Research and Education Center near Georgetown, DE (http://www.rec.udel.edu), and Extension offices in Newark and Dover. Additional information related to Cooperative Extension and Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware can be found at the following web site: http://ag.udel.edu

Application Dates

Application review will begin on February 5, 2018 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Process: Interested persons should submit: (i) a letter of application, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) statement of Extension interests (two pages maximum), (iv) unofficial transcripts from graduate degree and (v) names, email, postal address, and telephone numbers of four references. Questions regarding the search can be sent to Dr. Nicole Donofrio, Search Committee Chair: ndonof@udel.edu

Employment offers will be conditioned upon successful completion of a criminal background check. A conviction will not necessarily exclude you from employment.


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