Assistant Professor of Practice

The University of Arizona School of Plant Sciences seeks to hire an Assistant Professor of Practice to strengthen undergraduate education in the broad areas of plant microbiology, plant pathology, and microbial and plant biotechnology. Plant microbiology is at the forefront of advances in agriculture, industry, and the biotech sector. Together, plant microbiology, plant pathology, and plant- and microbial biotechnology are evolving rapidly with the advent of new tools, technologies, and innovations that support the food, fiber, fuel, and pharmaceutical supply vital to earth’s growing population. 

The successful applicant will have expertise in recent scientific and technological advances in plant microbiology, plant pathology, and biotechnology from diverse perspectives.
The successful applicant will have a graduate degree (Ph.D., or M.S. with significant professional experience) in plant-related microbiology, plant pathology, or biotechnology relevant to plants and microbes, or a related field; have experience teaching in a college or university classroom; have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion; and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the current research areas, innovations in applications, and technological and regulatory environment.

The Assistant Professor of Practice will assume a 90% Instruction and 10% Service, non-tenure eligible, 9-month position in the School of Plant Sciences. The rank of Assistant Professor of Practice for the position is contingent on years of practice and training completed in the microbiology, plant pathology, and biotechnology fields. The primary responsibility of this position will be to teach existing undergraduate courses in fungal biology, plant pathology, microbial genetics, and plant biotechnology, with the opportunity to design new courses at the undergraduate (primarily) and graduate levels in areas such as plant disease management, characterization of plant pathogenic agents, technical and research skills for undergraduates, epidemiology, or other foci aligned with the incumbent’s area of expertise. A 90% instructional position equates to teaching ca. 18 credits per academic year. Courses may be offered in person and/or online and will contribute to undergraduate majors in Plant Science, Sustainable Plant Systems, Microbiology, and Applied Biotechnology, and dovetail with growing unit initiatives in Plant Health Science. The faculty member will be expected to develop, investigate, and lead the implementation of innovative and inclusive teaching approaches that promote a learner-centered instructional environment, enhance student engagement, and increase diversity; and to expand collaborations with community partners to enhance undergraduate student training. In their service component, the Assistant Professor of Practice will be expected to serve as a voting member of the faculty in their units and serve on unit committees.

As a Land Grant University, The University of Arizona is committed to training students for 21st century jobs and enhancing opportunities in Arizona. The School of Plant Sciences, which has a record of excellence in cutting edge plant and microbial biology, will train a generation of leaders prepared to enhance agricultural productivity, improve human and environmental health, and develop innovative solutions that expedite progress in these areas. We seek candidates who will enhance undergraduate education in plant microbiology, plant pathology, and plant- and/or microbial biotechnology, and who recognize the opportunity to leverage faculty research excellence, provide skilled instruction, support curriculum development and academic partnerships, and facilitate practical laboratory training in an array of applications.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!