Position Summary
The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking candidates for an Assistant Professor (12-month tenure system, 50% Extension, 35% Research, 15% Instruction) position to lead an internationally recognized, innovative and competitively-funded extension and applied research program in weed science to support Michigan's nursery, landscape, Christmas tree, and greenhouse industries.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a weed science program that focuses on the ecology and management of weeds in ornamental crops. Areas of research may include: weed-crop competition and the impacts on ornamental production systems; identifying new and expanded herbicide registrations for non-food specialty crops and landscape systems; identification and management of herbicide-resistant species in non-food specialty crops and landscape systems; determining the effects of changing climate on weed population dynamics; and/or developing innovative and alternative integrated weed management strategies that include chemical, mechanical, cultural, biological, and organic approaches to weed control. The successful candidate should also participate in the IR-4 Ornamental Horticulture Program. In addition to applied research, extension responsibilities include development of educational materials and presentations to inform and advise clientele (growers and landscape managers), extension educators, government regulators, and elected officials on landscape and non-food specialty crop weed management issues, with a focus on sustainability, profitability, and environmental impact. Instructional responsibilities may include participation in existing courses (e.g., weed science, integrated pest management, integrated weed management, nursery management), development of an undergraduate course or module in horticultural crop weed management, and/or development of a graduate course in the successful applicant's field of expertise. Advising and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students is expected.

Ornamental plant production is the number one specialty crop segment and the fourth largest agriculture segment in Michigan. Michigan's nursery, greenhouse, and perennial plant producers have an economic impact of $1.2 billion. Michigan's nursery industry ranks 5 th nationally. Michigan ranks 3 rd in both Christmas tree production and value of wholesale floricultural products sold. Michigan's 550 commercial greenhouse businesses lead national production in 14 floriculture crop segments. The Michigan landscape industry, including services, generates $4.85 billion annually. Access to the latest herbicides and comprehensive up-to-date practices and systems are essential to ensure economic sustainability of Michigan's ornamentals industries while also protecting the environment and natural resources.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop outreach and research collaborations within the MSU Nursery/Landscape/Floriculture faculty and extension educator teams in MSU Extension's Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute; procure competitive external grant funding; publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals; develop leadership activities in regional, national, and international professional scientific associations; and advise and mentor students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration exist with scientists in soil science, plant pathology, entomology, diagnostic services, and agricultural engineering. Benefits include a salary commensurate with the candidate's experience, a competitive start-up package, and attractive health, dental, and retirement plans.

Required Degree
Doctorate -Horticulture, agronomy, crop science, plant physiology/biology, forestry, or an other plant science-related field.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in horticulture, agronomy, crop science, plant physiology/biology, forestry, or an other plant science-related field.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct and publish independent, original, innovative research.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills appropriate for both scientific peers as well as agricultural stakeholder constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, both as a team member and a leader.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate, postdoctoral, or other professional experience in weed science
• Experience in competitive grant proposal writing and administration
• Experience working in a diverse environment and/or utilizing a variety of teaching/communication methods designed for broad student/stakeholder success

Required Application Materials
To apply, applicants should provide:

• Letter of application, summarizing research/extension accomplishments and future interests;
• Current resume;
• Summary of experience with diversity in classroom, research, and/or extension endeavors, and an explanation of how you will contribute to MSU's goals of inclusive excellence;
• Names and contact information for at least three references combined into a single PDF document. References will be contacted only if requested by the department

Special Instructions
Complete application packages are to be submitted through MSU Human Resources site at http://careers.msu.edu/ (posting #494187).

Review of applications will begin May 15, 2018 and will continue until suitable candidates are identified.

Questions regarding this position may be emailed to the Search Committee Chair at schutzki@msu.edu .

Advertised: Mar 22, 2018 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:


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