Assistant Professor of Plant Biotechnology - Lincoln University of Missouri

Purpose:

The Assistant Professor of Plant Biotechnology is expected to develop a high-impact, nationally recognized research and extension program to expand our understanding of whole-plant physiology using multidisciplinary approaches including plant molecular sciences (genomics/genetics) and plant phenomics for improving crop performances to provide resilience against climate variability. Research applications might include a wide range of field agricultural/specialty crops (vegetables, fruit, and/or native plants, etc.). Areas of research emphasis could include, but not limited to, improved nutrient and water use efficiency, pest, and disease resistance, drought tolerance, etc. The idea candidate will be able to contribute positively to the academic success of the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences by teaching both undergraduate and graduate level courses in their field of expertise. The successful candidate for this position is also expected to work closely with Lincoln University farm employees, extension educators, farmers, ranchers, and industry partners. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track, and full benefit eligible faculty position with 80:20 split appointment between research and extension responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct innovative field/laboratory, greenhouse and growth chamber research experiments to investigate plant/environment interactions relevant to important crops in Missouri, with particular emphasis on field agricultural crops including a range of specialty crops.
• Write grant proposals for external funding to support their research/extension programs.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to their discipline.
• Recruit and supervise graduate students.
• Collaborate with a wide range of faculty within the University and other institutions in disciplines such as plant biology, plant pathology, entomology, botany, etc.
• Teach both graduate/undergraduate level courses in the selected candidate's field of expertise.
• Contribute to the department/college/university through service.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Any other duties as assigned by the faculty member's department, college, and/or the University.

Qualifications:

• PhD. degree in Plant Science, Plant Physiology, Integrative Biosciences, or a related field is required.
• Applicants must have demonstrated ability to conduct quality fundamental plant science research using molecular sciences, biotechnology, genomics, and plant breeding methods.
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals is required.
• Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain extramural funding through grant proposals is required.
• Background in experimental design (of field/laboratory, greenhouse and growth chamber plant trials) data management, and statistics are essential.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:

• Interpersonal, effective oral/written communication skills, and ability to work in a team-oriented environment with a diverse group of faculty and student population are essential for this position.
• Expertise in plant breeding with high-value specialty crops and running bioinformatics analysis is essential.
• Experience with classroom teaching of students in higher education is preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work in cold and hot environmental conditions.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.