Position: The Division of Plant Science and Technology in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU) seeks an Assistant Research Professor and State Extension Specialist in weed science. This 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position with a 60% research and 40% extension appointment is located at the University of Missouri’s (MU) Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) in Portageville, MO. However, a close collaboration with faculty on MU´s main campus in Columbia is expected.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will primarily focus on weed management issues affecting field crops important to the state and region, such as cotton, rice, soybean, corn, grain sorghum and emerging crops such as peanuts. This position is expected to develop an independent, grower-focused, weed science research program and work collaboratively with research programs at the FD-REEC and other centers across the state. Research will incorporate novel cultural, biological, mechanical, and alternative chemical control practices that could involve advances in engineering, digital agriculture, and genomics by enhancing the understanding of weed management on plant populations. The work will include planning, designing, and conducting field and greenhouse experiments (including data collection and statistical analyses) with input from producers to target research projects important for the region. The goal is to develop and advance weed management options for the Delta region of Missouri, which not only enhance economic productivity but minimize risks to agricultural production and the environment. The successful candidate will disseminate research-based information to producers, industry and the scientific community via extension presentations and other publications including refereed journal articles. Ability to secure extramural funding and publish research findings is required. Collaboration with public and private researchers, farmers, and extension specialists within Missouri and other states is expected. Availability to producers to answer questions about weed management in crop production is critical.

The T.E. “Jake” Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) (https://moaes.missouri.edu/FD-REEC) is part of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station and contributes to MU’s comprehensive land-grant responsibility.  Its goal is to conduct high quality research that will respond to the needs of Missouri citizens, maintain and enhance our natural resource base, support a vital food and fiber system, and help keep Missouri producers competitive and profitable.  FD-REEC staff work with campus faculty involved in teaching, research and extension along with state and federal agencies and Missouri agribusinesses to support education and a reliable, safe, sustainable supply of food and other agricultural products. In addition, FD-REEC faculty commonly collaborate with other state university faculty and staff and with others in industry on joint research projects that impact local, state, regional, national and international clientele. The FD-REEC facilities include 1,119 acres at four locations representing the major soil types of the region. In addition, the Missouri Rice Research farm consisting of 110 acres is an essential location to conduct research trials. The FD-REEC headquarters consists of 23 offices, seven modern laboratories, eight greenhouses, Foundation Seed cleaning and storage facilities, an auditorium, an exhibit hall, a library, and an outstanding professional and support staff.  While the position is located at the FD-REEC, the successful candidate will also be an integral faculty member of the Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in Columbia, Missouri (https://pst.missouri.edu/).

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Weed Science or a related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Relevant postdoctoral experience. Experience in education and weed management strategies and demonstrated expertise of past and current issues related to herbicide resistant weeds. Excellent oral skills to communicate with farmers and other commodity stakeholders and the ability to work well in a collaborative team. Ability to secure funding. Knowledge of operating and maintenance of small plot and farm-scale equipment, and proven experience in data analysis, and writing (e.g., grant proposals, scientific and extension publications).

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin on November 01, 2023, and will be continued until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Please submit a resume with a list of recent publications, a cover letter in which the experiences and the suitability for the advertised position is clearly described, academic transcripts, and the contact information for at least 3 references. Applications should be submitted at the following website: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings, Job ID 48506.

Contact: Questions pertaining to the job may be directed to Dr. Kevin Bradley ([email protected]), Chair of the Search Committee at University of Missouri. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or [email protected].

Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.