Distinguished Professorship (Associate or Full Professor) – Vegetable Crop Pathology

Position Summary

Ji/Georgia Vegetable Industry Distinguished Professorship in Plant Pathology. This is an academic-year (9-month) tenured appointment (80% research, 15% teaching, 5% service) at the Associate Professor or Professor level in the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia ( UGA ). The position will be housed at UGA’s Tifton Campus ( http://www.caes.uga.edu/campus/tifton/ ) located in the heart of Georgia’s $1.2 billion/year vegetable industry. This endowed position acknowledges the contributions of Dr. Pingsheng Ji and the Georgia vegetable industry in advancing knowledge and management of vegetable diseases in the state of Georgia and beyond.

The successful candidate will develop a vigorous, innovative, internationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program in the area of vegetable crop pathology. The incoming faculty member is expected to develop and translate new knowledge in microbial and plant biology, genetics, genomics, and host resistance into novel disease management approaches with a focus on soilborne oomycete and fungal pathogens. Opportunities abound for collaborations with crop breeders/geneticists and with strong programs in pathogen biology, disease management, disease ecology and epidemiology, host resistance, and pathogen and population genetics in the Department of Plant Pathology. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings via peer-reviewed journal articles, active participation in the mentoring of graduate students and postdoctoral scientists, and contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment within the university. Instructional responsibilities will be equivalent to 4 credit-hours per year, commensurate with the department’s needs and the faculty member’s area of specialty.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin on 19 December 2022; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Bhabesh Dutta, Chair of the Search Committee ( bhabesh@uga.edu ).

Materials to be uploaded include i) cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience relative to the responsibilities of the position, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) graduate-level academic transcripts, iv) separate statements of research and teaching interests (not to exceed 3 pages each), and v) names and contact information of four professional references. Selected applicants will be required to submit a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F1452P

Working Title

Distinguished Professorship (Associate or Full Professor) – Vegetable Crop Pathology

Department

CAES-Plant Pathology

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

As one of the largest departments of plant pathology in the U.S., we are recognized internationally for our comprehensive and integrative research and outreach portfolio, spanning basic, translational and applied programs. Our scientists ensure the economic viability of agriculture, the largest sector of Georgia’s economy, and contribute to national and global food security by reducing crop losses. Equally important, our research increases the understanding of basic biology through new discoveries in pathogen biology, resistance genetics and host-pathogen interactions.

The Tifton Campus is home to ~75 UGA faculty and USDA - ARS scientists plus associated graduate students, postdocs, and support staff conducting innovative and team-based research and Extension to improve production agriculture in Georgia, the nation, and the world. Tifton is a friendly city of nearly 20,000 located along I-75 in south-central Georgia ~70 miles from the Georgia-Florida state line. The city is situated in the heart of one of the leading and most dynamic agricultural areas of the Southeast.

College/Unit/Department website

https://plantpath.caes.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

None

Advertised Salary

Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experiences.

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2023

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

10/26/2022

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Tifton Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a related area.

Additional Requirements

The person named to the position should be qualified for tenure upon appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor and must have an outstanding record of research and publications.

To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as an Associate Professor or Professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire. Please see the requirements for Assistant and Associate Professors in the Unit Criteria for Promotion and Tenure for the Department of Plant Pathology as well as the UGA Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion and Tenure .

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Expertise in translational genomics or related technology preferred.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. List of References with Contact Information
5. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
6. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents