Assistant Professor in Turfgrass Science

Assistant Professor in Turfgrass Science

Appointment Type: Faculty

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Iowa State University Department of Horticulture, (Ames, IA), is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Professor in Turfgrass Science. This is a 9-month, tenure-track faculty position with a 40% teaching, 55% research, and 5% service appointment with a projected start date of August 15, 2023.

The candidate will develop a creative and innovative nationally recognized, self-sustaining, research program. Relevant research areas in turfgrass may include, but are not limited to, sustainable turfgrass management options including pest management, new turfgrass selections for heat and drought tolerance, developing turfgrass best management practices for golf course superintendents, and developing/evaluating technological advances in the turfgrass industry. The research will be supported by extramural grants and contracts and show evidence of scholarship by publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals. Mentoring of M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students is expected. The candidate will work collaboratively with allied turfgrass specialists at Iowa State University, industry partners, and stakeholder groups and interact with and support relevant professional turfgrass organizations and societies. The position requires teaching undergraduate-level courses in turfgrass-related areas, with the expectation of meeting student learning objectives through student-centric teaching practices. Service to the department, college, and university is also expected.

Candidates will be expected to advance Iowa State University’s goal of supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging, both within and outside the university community. We encourage applications from individuals who identify as members of traditionally underrepresented groups, including but not limited to African American or Black, Asian American, First Nations, Indigenous, Native American, and Latinx populations. We are committed to the retention of new faculty and as such the successful candidate will be provided with a faculty mentor within the home unit, benefit from peer/mutual mentoring opportunities, and have access to university programs such as the External Mentor Program.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Horticulture, Crop Science, or related discipline with an emphasis on turfgrass at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant knowledge in horticulture and experience working with commercial turfgrass managers.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in effective communication (oral, written, electronic, etc.) with commercial/professional and lay audience stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and conducting research and delivering findings and other scholarly products to a broad array of horticulture audiences including grower groups, media outlets, plant scientists, turfgrass practitioners, and lay audiences.
• Demonstrated success in securing external grants and contracts.
• Experience teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.
• Experience mentoring graduate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to and/or record of efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials, other information required by state and federal law, ISU policies and procedures, and the completion of a background check.

Department/Program & College Description:
The Iowa State University Department of Horticulture (https://www.hort.iastate.edu), administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has a long and distinguished history of excellence in teaching, research, and Extension/outreach. In fact, courses in horticulture were first taught on this campus in 1869, and the first B.S. degree in horticulture was awarded in 1904. Today, faculty and staff teach and mentor over 250 undergraduate students with majors in Horticulture and Global Resources Systems. Graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) are available to students wishing to major in Horticulture or one of several interdepartmental majors. Our research enterprise is supported by excellent controlled environment facilities with easy access to modern growth chambers, a recently constructed teaching/research greenhouse range conveniently attached to Horticulture Hall, and a 239-acre research and demonstration farm (ISU Horticulture Research Station) located six miles north of Ames and the ISU campus. The Research Station includes 10-acres of irrigated turfgrass dedicated to research projects on sand-based putting greens, simulated home and commercial lawns, and sports turf applications. The Department of Horticulture has a close and mutually beneficial relationship with the Iowa State University Department of Athletics and Veenker Memorial Golf Course.

Iowa State University is classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research 1 (R1) Institution and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. Approximately 30,000 students are enrolled and served by over 6,200 faculty and staff. Ames is a progressive community of over 60,000 residents, located 30 minutes north of Des Moines, and was recently voted second best most livable small city in the nation.

Proposed Start Date: August 15, 2023

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 09 Month Work Period

Time Type: Full time

Application Instructions:
Please apply online at https://isu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/IowaStateJobs/job/Ames-IA/Assistant-Professor-in-Turfgrass-Science_R10918-1?q=Turfgrass%20Science

A complete application will include:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Letter of application (cover letter) that includes a statement of teaching and research interests, professional experience and goals relevant to this position, and a section describing how their teaching and research will support and contribute to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our academic community.
3. One- to two-page document describing experience with the creation and delivery of undergraduate-level coursework.
4. Contact information of three to five professional references (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses).
5. Official transcripts from all relevant universities attended.

Applications will be accepted through April 2, 2023.

For questions regarding this position announcement, please contact Dr. Adam Thoms, Associate Professor and Search Committee Chair (athoms@iastate.edu) or 515-294-1957.

Iowa State University is an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity, 3350 Beardshear Hall, 515-294-7612.

Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans;
• Generous leave plans;
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa);
• Life insurance and long-term disability;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing program.

Job Requisition Number: R10918