Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Agricultural and Science Communication

Job Description

The Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) invites applications for a nine-month, tenure track or tenured (open rank) appointment to support research and teaching relating to agricultural and science communication.

While DASS will remain the primary academic home, it is expected that the successful candidate will work closely with colleagues in the Division of Animal Sciences in CAFNR. We are looking for a scholar with a strong research record or potential for research that advances the science of assessing public perceptions of genetic engineering and of communicating science to the public, with a particular focus on animal or livestock biotechnology. The ability to advance science and to inform on public policy is essential. The successful candidate is also expected to develop an annual USDA-ARS Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (NACA) workplan and to perform proposed and approved work consistent with that plan. Secondary research efforts may be in related topics. Teaching expectations are in the area of agricultural and science communications. Courses may be delivered via traditional classroom and/or online format. Other teaching, undergraduate student organization advising, advising of students, and/or service responsibilities may be assigned in place of the above should our needs change.

We are interested in candidates whose professional background, research, and/or teaching interests complement DASS’s existing strengths in agricultural education and communication and agricultural policy analysis. DASS is home to several research and outreach centers, including the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI), the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF), the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL), the Financial Research Institute (FRI), the McQuinn Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and the Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security. DASS has a strong tradition of granting faculty extraordinary latitude to develop new and innovative centers, programs, and activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in agricultural education, agricultural communication, agricultural economics, or a related social sciences discipline by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Impact of research focusing on areas noted above, including publications in peer reviewed journals and evidence of ability to obtain external funding for research. Effectiveness of teaching. Success in working with undergraduate and graduate students in a learning and mentoring environment. Interpersonal skills and the ability to lead within an academic environment. Willingness to adapt as change arises.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Competitive pay based on qualifications and experience.

Application Materials

Applications will be reviewed starting December 1, 2023. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Please visit https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings and search for Job ID 48718 to submit an application. All applications must include a letter of interest in the position, current Curriculum Vitae, relevant scholarship-related work samples , contact information for three professional references, and other supporting materials. The letter of interest should include a description of existing or planned research focusing on assessing public perceptions of genetic engineering and communicating science to the public. Specific inquiries regarding this position may be directed to Harvey James ( hjames@missouri.edu ).

Other Information

University of Missouri, Columbia Campus: The University of Missouri, Columbia (Mizzou) is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System and was established in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi. Mizzou is one of the nation's top-tier Research 1 (R1) universities and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) . University of Missouri is a nationally competitive, global university and Missouri's largest public research university. Mizzou is one of only five universities nationwide that offers law, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, engineering, and a nuclear research reactor on one campus.

Columbia, Missouri: Columbia is consistently ranked among the top small cities to live in America. A vibrant university town located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia offers low cost of living, is home to nationally renowned public schools, higher education, and excellent health care. University of Missouri Health Care (UMHC) is an academic health care system operated by the University of Missouri System. UMHC includes six hospitals and offers more than 50 primary and specialty clinics. Columbia has easy access to airports from Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Know Your Rights

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

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