Plant Science - Soil Microbiology Assistant / Associate Professor

California State University, Fresno

Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

Department of Plant Science

http://jcast.fresnostate.edu/plantsci/

Department of Plant Science – Soil Health/Soil Microbiology
Assistant / Associate Professor
Tenure Track
Fall 2023 (August 2023)

Position Description:

The Department of Plant Science in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at California State University, Fresno is accepting applications for a tenure-track, academic year position in Soil Health or Soil Microbiology at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. This position will involve teaching in the department's undergraduate and graduate programs, scholarly research, and engagement in service-related activities. The successful applicant should have primary teaching and research interests in soil microbiology and soil health parameters pertaining to management practices aimed to improve and quantify soil health, and will teach up to twelve units per semester of courses within the department to include Soil Microbiology (3 units) and other course(s) related to the interaction between Crop Production and Soil Health. The successful candidate will assume responsibility for teaching, assessment, and coordination of multiple sections of the following required university-wide upper-division general education (GE) course Food, Society, and Environment (3 units). As faculty members progress through their careers, the instructional load can be reduced, usually through assigned time funded by external grants. Other undergraduate (e.g. agricultural statistics, crop growth and development) or graduate courses (e.g. Molecular Biology) may be assigned. In the first 2 years, the teaching load is reduced by 3 WTUs to provide new faculty start-up time for course development, research and other professional development efforts. Expectations also include active engagement in regionally important, applied research; establishing productive working relationships with agricultural industries and organizations; securing external research funding and publishing research results. The person filling this position is expected to mentor and serve as major advisor for students working towards B.S. and M.S. degrees and to be involved in research, teaching and production activities on the University Agricultural Laboratory (UAL, commonly referred to as the University Farm) as well as on off-campus sites. The successful applicant will also be expected to contribute to student recruitment and retention and to participate in department, university, and professional service activities.

Salary placement depends upon academic preparation and professional experience, and each faculty member will gain a clear path to tenure through the University's Probationary Plan. California State University, Fresno is a vibrant and growing campus. When necessary, the University may decide to make more than one faculty appointment from a single search.

Our Students: California State University, Fresno is committed to serving our students with a focus on inclusion. Fresno State has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI); and has been designated to the Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Qualifications:

Required Education (from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent.):

1. An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Soil Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or a closely related agricultural discipline with emphasis on Soil Microbiology and Soil Health from an accredited institution.
2. Applicants nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered; however, for appointment, the doctorate must be completed by August 15, 2023.

Required Experience:

Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds;

Evidence of successful teaching at the university level (teaching assistantships are acceptable),

Evidence of success in scientific research addressing quantification and management of soil health parameters,

Evidence of effective communication and presentation skills,

Preferred Experience :

Teaching experience in introductory courses and specialty areas in soil science, microbiology, and molecular biology,

Ability to teach courses in agricultural statistics and soil/crop ecology,

Evidence of scholarly productivity at the university level (preference will be given to individuals whose publication record is commensurate with their years of experience),

Extensive knowledge of crop production with laboratory and field experience and familiarity with California Agriculture,

Evidence of successful applications for research funding from industry or government sources and publication of scientific research,

Evidence of ability to guide students and work collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams and to complete tasks on time.

Application Procedures:

Review of applications will begin on January 17th 2023 If it chooses, the committee may review applications submitted after this date. This position will continue until the position is filled.

Apply online at: http://jobs.csufresno.edu

Attached the following:

1. Cover letter specifically addressing required experience and preferred qualifications
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information of three professional references
4. Statement addressing your commitment to working with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This statement may be included in your letter of interest (#1).

Candidates invited for an on-campus visit must submit the following by mail/e-mail within the designated deadline. The Search Chair will send information and requests for these items.

1. Three current letters of recommendation (dated within 12 months of full consideration-date.)
2. Official transcripts

Committee Information and Search process:

Search Chair: Dr. Margaret L. Ellis
Department of Plant Science
Email: maellis@csufresno.edu

About the Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is an engaged University. We focus on broadening students' intellectual horizons, fostering lifelong learning skills, developing the leaders of tomorrow, promoting community involvement, and instilling an appreciation of world cultures. We nurture cultural competence by celebrating the rich diversity of the campus community and welcoming the participation of all. Members of the University community are expected to work effectively with faculty, staff and students from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. For information on the University's commitment and dedication to creating a university known for its integrity, civility, equity, respect and ethical behavior, please visit: http://www.fresnostate.edu/academics/diversity The campus is ranked 24^th in the nation by Washington Monthly ; ranked 3^rd by U.S. News & World Report in graduation rate performance for public institutions; and, ranked 41^st in the nation in MONEY Magazines 50 Best Public Colleges .

Tenure-Track Faculty members gain a clear path to tenure through the University's Probationary Plan Process. For additional information, please visit: www.fresnostate.edu/academics/facultyaffairs/procedures/facultyrtp/ . We value our commitment to the success of our faculty by providing services from the Center for Faculty Excellence to Research and Sponsored Programs.

About the College and Department:

The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate education and conducts applied research and public service in selected areas of agriculture, food sciences, industrial technology and family sciences. Programs combine a science, technology and management focus with experiential learning. The Plant Science Department’s teaching and research covers a broad range of disciplines: Horticulture, Olericulture, Pomology, Agronomy, Soils and Irrigation, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science and Mechanized Agriculture. Graduate classes are scheduled in the afternoon/evening to accommodate working professionals in the region. The Plant Science Department at Fresno State is the largest amongst the CSU campuses offering agricultural programs. The 1,000-acre University Farm, with the support of the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT), provides a working laboratory for the diverse, irrigated agriculture of the Central Valley. The department has strong alumni support for summer internships and career opportunities for graduates; and through its partnership with the agricultural sector in the region provides numerous opportunities for industry and student interactions.

Other Campus Information:

Salary placement commensurate with experience within ranks established by the CSU Salary Schedule .

In compliance with the Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, California State University, Fresno has made crime-reporting statistics available to applicants, students, and employees online at www.fresnostate.edu/police/clery/index.shtml. Print copies are available by request from the Campus Police Department.

A background check (including criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily for this position. An offer of employment may be withdrawn or employment may be terminated based upon the results of the background investigation.

The person holding this position is considered a "limited reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. You can obtain a copy of this Executive order by accessing the following website: http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1083.html.

California State University, Fresno is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click http://fresnostate.edu/adminserv/smokefree/index.html

California State University, Fresno is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.

Advertised: 03 Nov 2022 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 31 Mar 2023 Pacific Daylight Time