Assistant Professor of Agronomy

Salary and Terms:  Full-time, nine month* tenure track position.  Salary placement is commensurate with education and experience 

Appointment Date: August 16, 2021

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin January 19, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

Position Description: SMSU's Assistant Professor of Agronomy responsibilities include:

• Teach and coordinate the courses and curricula for SMSU's BS Degree in Agronomy, and the Agronomy Minor.
• Supervise and manage SMSU's experimental crop field trials.
• Meet the expectations of a full-time SMSU faculty member, as defined in the MinnState-IFO Agreement.
• Participate fully in the activities and programs of SMSU's Agriculture, Culinology and Hospitality Management (ACHM) Department.
• Fulfill the expectations of a full-time SMSU faculty member in SMSU's Agronomy Program in accord with SMSU's Assessment and Strategic Plans, as well as SMSU's Mission, Vision and Values.
• The position will engage in scholarly and creative activity, continuing preparation and study, contribute to student growth and development, and serve the SMSU community.

• SMSU, in its commitment to meeting the service needs of the region, expects faculty to engage in regional services as part of the community service activities.

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates for SMSU's Assistant Professor of Agronomy position will meet the following expectations:

• An earned doctorate in Agronomy or a closely-related agricultural discipline is required.
• Demonstrated commitment or proven strategies for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment; demonstrated ability or proven strategies to teach and work with persons from diverse backgrounds is required.
• Demonstrated evidence of teaching excellence
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• A distinguished record of scholarly achievement or research
• Clear evidence of ongoing professional development
• Proven disposition towards community and university service
• Knowledge and experience with computer applications and agriculturally-related technology
• Student-centered approach to education and a commitment to helping grow the agronomy program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with US mid-west agriculture experience
• Strong interest in student learning, growth and advancement
• Candidate must have an understanding of and appreciation for liberal education.

The University: Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system.  SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships.  Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions.  The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings.  Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities.  The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Application Data: Letter of application addressing position qualifications, vita, student evaluations, and transcripts should be attached to your application.  To apply, please complete the application at http://smsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/1556 Additional information on Southwest Minnesota State University can be found at:  www.SMSU.edu

*Nine Month Appointments- Along with all other Universities that are part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, standard faculty appointments are for 168 duty days distributed over any nine consecutive months.  The nine months need not align with the traditional academic year and may be changed every two years.  Initial faculty appointments at SMSU are expected to be similar to or the same as the academic year unless otherwise indicated on the vacancy notice.

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer.  SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States.  Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208.  For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.  This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.