UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Assistant Professor
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PLSA) invites applications for a 12-month tenure track position of Assistant Professor with a 50% University of Maryland Extension and 50% Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station Research appointment with the focus on weed management. The candidate will be an individual who has training in the principles of weed science, the mechanisms of emergent herbicide resistance, and familiarity with management of the primary crops that are widely grown throughout the state.
Position Responsibilities:
Research
The applicant is expected to develop an extramurally-funded research program focused on identification of adaptive mechanisms underlying proliferation of invasive weed species and resistance to herbicides. Preference will be given to applicants who plan to integrate “next generation” and / or genomic technologies to weed science problems. Research should focus on an integrated approach with analyses of multiple practices used in weed management programs of crops that are widely grown throughout the state. Applied aspects of the research program can include, but are not limited to, the following: utilization of surveys of herbicide-resistant weeds, newly introduced weed species, and invasive plants; identification of emergent problems with application of weed management systems and cropping systems; adaption of weed management practices to changing climate; status and impacts of introduced herbicide-resistant crops; and efficacy of cover crops systems as related to weed management programs. Support for the program is available through numerous commodity groups. Excellent farm, greenhouse, and laboratory facilities are available for
carrying out the research program.
Extension
The research program is expected to complement and inform extension activities Extension duties will include the following: contribute to the development of state and regional weed control recommendations for cropping systems; present information at research and educational meetings; gather and communicate research information to University of Maryland Extension personnel; contribute to weed management demonstrations at University Research Stations; contribute expertise to training materials for pesticide recertification and the Certified Crops Advisor program; and conduct annual/semi-annual in-service training for Extension personnel. The individual will work in partnership with research personnel, state and regional Extension specialists, county agricultural educators, industry representatives, state and federal regulatory personnel, and agricultural leaders.
Additional Responsibilities:
- This individual will be a member of the Plant Science and Landscape Architecture graduate teaching faculty and thus will be expected to mentor and train graduate students. Candidates with experience teaching and mentoring women and underrepresented minority students are encouraged to note their experience in these areas.
- Faculty members are expected to serve the professional community through review of publications and participation on competitive grant panels, and in national and international professional meetings.
- It is expected that this individual will participate in other duties and committees as required by the department, college, and university, as well as interacting with organizations representing their field in the state and region.
Qualifications:
Required
- The candidate must hold a Ph.D. conferred as a result of research in the areas of agronomy, horticulture, weed science, applied plant science, or a related field
- The candidate will have a clear understanding of the practice of extension education.
- The candidate will have a demonstrated ability to publish original research in peer-reviewed journals.
- The candidate will have demonstrated the ability to work effectively as a team member and have possession of excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The candidate will show evidence of an interest in interdisciplinary work.
- The candidate should exhibit experience in writing grant proposals and strong leadership skills
Preferred
- The candidate will have a commitment to contribute to the diversity mission of the department and the university.
Salary/Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive competitive benefits package.
Applications: Candidates must apply online at ejobs.umd.edu (Position # 103680). Application packets should include:
- A cover letter that addresses each required and preferred qualification
- A curriculum vitae
- A detailed statement of research interests, teaching philosophy, and extension strategy relevant to the level of activity specified herein
- At least three references with addresses and email contact information
Closing Date: The position is open until filled. For best consideration, application should be received by March 15, 2018.
Questions may be sent to Dr. Tom Turner, Faculty Search Committee Chair, at tturner@umd.edu.