Assistant Professor - Urban and Controlled-Environment Plant Pathology

Position Summary

The University of Georgia ( UGA ) seeks to hire a faculty member with Extension and applied research responsibilities addressing the disease management needs of urban, homeowner, and controlled-environment agriculture ( CEA ) clientele in Georgia. This is a tenure-track assistant professor position on 9-month academic-year appointment with a guarantee of 2 months of summer salary. The faculty member will be a member of the UGA Department of Plant Pathology under the direction of the Department Head. The position will be located at the Athens Campus.

The faculty member will be responsible for Extension programming and applied research focused on the etiology, diagnosis, and management of diseases in urban and homeowner landscapes and gardens as well as in food crops produced in CEA facilities, a rapidly growing sector of agriculture in Georgia and the southeastern U.S. This includes education and training of stakeholder groups and Extension agents; preparation of journal articles, Extension publications, and popular press articles; participation and leadership in collaborative grant proposals; and supervision and mentoring of graduate students in research areas commensurate with the mission-oriented scope of this position. Collaborations with the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture, the IPM Program, and the Controlled-Environment Cluster at UGA are strongly encouraged. The appointment split will be 70% Extension, 25% Research, and 5% Service.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin on 21 August 2023; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Phil Brannen, chair of the search committee (pbrannen@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) statement of Extension philosophy and experience (uploaded under Other Documents #1), v) statement of research interests and experience, and vi) 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

F1660P

Working Title

Assistant Professor - Urban and Controlled-Environment Plant 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.

College/Unit/Department website

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

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experiences.

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2024

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

06/05/2023

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens 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

Assistant Professor

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Assistant Professor

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related discipline.

Additional Requirements

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

Knowledge of and skill in diagnosis and management of plant diseases, as documented by work history and/or scientific publication(s)

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

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

Optional Documents