Assistant or Associate Professor - Molecular Plant Virology

Position Summary

The Department of Plant Pathology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ( CAES ) at the University of Georgia is recruiting for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor in Molecular Plant Virology with an 80% research, and 15% teaching, and 5% service appointment. This is an academic-year, tenure-track appointment located at the Athens Campus.

The successful candidate will develop a vigorous, innovative, internationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program in the area of fundamental plant virology. Specific areas of interest include molecular and/or evolutionary aspects of virus-host interactions that can be approached through a systems biology approach, such as combining biology, biochemistry, or biophysics and computational analysis at the cell, tissue, or organism level; vector-virus-host interactions for understanding how viruses alter plants to attract vectors; understanding the basis of host resistance to viruses and improving host resistance through gene editing to evolve resistance genes. Opportunities abound for collaborations with colleagues in the Department of Plant Pathology, the Plant Center , and the Institute of Bioinformatics . 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 the mission of the University of Georgia . 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 27 October 2023; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications by members of underrepresented groups are encouraged. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Li Yang, Chair of the Search Committee ( li.yang1@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 research interests, v) statement of teaching experience and interests, 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

F1663P

Working Title

Assistant or Associate Professor - Molecular Plant Virology

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 its kind in the U.S., the UGA Department of Plant Pathology is recognized internationally for its 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

Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experiences.

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2024

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

07/31/2023

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).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track or Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate must have a Ph.D. in plant pathology, virology, one of the plant or microbial sciences, or related discipline

Additional Requirements

Documented research background appropriate for the appointment rank, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, in the area of fundamental plant.

To be considered for the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must have at least 5 full years in rank at the Assistant Professor level. Please see the Department of Plant Pathology Expectations for Promotion and Tenure for appointment expectations as an Associate Professor.

To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as an Associate Professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably regional and/or national reputation to the institution. Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire.

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

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?

No

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 .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA 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