Assistant or Associate Professor - Crop Nematology

Position Summary

The Department of Plant Pathology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia ( UGA ) seeks an Assistant or Associate Professor in the area of Plant Nematology with a 75% research and 25% Extension appointment. This is an academic-year (9- month) tenure-track position located at the Tifton Campus in the heart of Georgia’s $6.5 billion crop industry. The successful candidate will develop a vigorous, innovative, nationally recognized, and competitively funded research and Extension education program with the priority to mitigate diseases caused by plant-parasitic nematodes in economically important crops in the southeastern U.S., with an initial focus on cotton and specialty crops. The incoming faculty member is expected to provide leadership and collaborate with scientists in the department, in UGA commodity teams, at USDA - ARS, and in industry to develop a productive research program using translational and applied approaches. Extension efforts will focus on outreach through publications to the producer community, providing research-based information and support to Extension specialists, participating in agent trainings, and speaking as requested at producer conferences or meetings. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings via peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications, and active participation in the training and mentoring of graduate students and postdocs.
Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experiences.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin on 21 February 2022; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Melissa Mitchum, Chair of the Search Committee ( melissa.mitchum@uga.edu ). Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. 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 Extension philosophy and experience, and vi) names and contact information of four professional references.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F1110P

Working Title

Assistant or Associate Professor - Crop Nematology

Department

CAES-Plant Pathology

About the University of Georgia

The University of Georgia ( UGA ), a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). UGA is currently ranked among the top 15 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 was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the first state-chartered University in the country. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 39,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 9,000 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.

Tifton is a friendly city with a population of approximately 20,000 located along I-75 in south-central Georgia. The city is situated in the heart of one of the leading and most dynamic agricultural areas of the Southeast. UGA’s Tifton Campus is home to approximately 85 UGA faculty and USDA - ARS scientists plus associated graduate students, postdocs, and support staff conducting innovative and team-based research and extension to improve production agriculture in Georgia, the nation, and the world.

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

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Minorities & Females

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

08/01/2022

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

12/02/2021

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Tifton 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).

UGA Statement

PLEASE NOTE : On December 7, 2021, the federal District Court for the Southern District of Georgia issued a preliminary injunction against enforcing the vaccine requirement for
Federal Contractors pending further review. As a result, the requirements of the Executive Order and associated guidance, including the vaccination requirement for covered contractor employees, are currently not in effect.

The University of Georgia is a Federal Contractor as defined by Presidential Executive Order 14042 and subject to the requirement that Federal Contractors must ensure that all covered employees, including those working remotely, are fully vaccinated by January 4, 2022. You may be required to show proof of your fully vaccinated status at the time of your start date, or have received a medical or religious exemption from the fully vaccinated requirement at the time of your start date. For more information regarding the Federal Contractor fully vaccinated employment requirement please visit https://coronavirus.uga.edu/executive-order/ or call (706) 542-2222.

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, Nematology, or a related area.

Additional Requirements

The hiring rank will be determined based on the successful candidate’s prior experience and track record. Please see the requirements for Assistant and Associate Professors in the Unit Criteria for Promotion and Tenure for the Department of Plant Pathology as well as the UGA Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion and Tenure .`

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 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?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

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)

No

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. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
5. Public Svc/Extension Philosophy
6. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents