Cropping Systems Specialist

The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is seeking a Cropping Systems Specialist for the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC) located in North Platte, NE to fill a 12-month, tenure-track, 50% Extension and 50% Research appointment. The candidate will contribute to the organizational missions of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and UNL in conjunction with a team of energetic scientists located in North Platte and across the state of Nebraska.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups.

The incumbent is expected to develop and maintain a high impact, nationally and internationally recognized, externally supported program contributing as an effective scholar and citizen to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, the WCREEC, and IANR, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy. Research conducted by the incumbent integrates spatial data and data management, digital agriculture technologies, and seed and fertility management for making agronomic decisions that ensure resilient cropping systems in limited water environments. To support this objective, the incumbent will address crop stress physiology in the context of Genotype x Environment x Management interactions in collaboration with the state variety testing program. Extension programming focuses on cropping system resilience and sustainability by leading and contributing to multidisciplinary teams that engage producers in innovative exchanges of information, and will address needs and opportunities focused on learners and emerging regional and national issues with international relevance. The impact of programming is measured, and the results communicated to administrators, stakeholders, and users.

The incumbent is expected to seek and establish effective disciplinary and trans-disciplinary collaborations including integration with local stakeholders, complementary research groups, extension teams, educational programs, and other partners. The candidate is expected to mentor a diverse research team of technicians and students, publish in high-quality scientific journals and secure extramural funding to support their research and Extension interests.

In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

Required qualifications for this position:
• PhD in agronomy or other applicable agricultural science discipline.
• Experience in cropping systems or closely related topics.

Preferred qualifications include:
• Post-doctoral training or other professional experience conducting research and extension in cropping systems.
• Experience with crop simulation models.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct applied translational research of value to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop an Extension program that will aid stakeholders in making agronomic decisions that ensure resilient cropping systems in water limited environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research results and engage stakeholders in innovative exchanges of information.
• Ability to maintain and operate plot research equipment.
• Ability to conduct research using spatial data, digital agriculture technologies, seed and fertility management, and/or crop stress physiology.

To view details of the position and create an application, go to http://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_210067. Click “apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a cover letter that describes your qualifications for the job and your anticipated contributions; 2) your CV; 3) statements that describe your philosophy and approach to research and extension (2 page maximum for each); 4) a statement of your experience contributing to inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum); and 5) a list of 3 references with contact information. Review of applications will begin July 19, 2021 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.