Research Faculty - Ext. Specialist - Potato Variety Development

University Of Idaho; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Aberdeen City is seeking a tenure-track assistant professor for the Potato Variety Development position. The faculty will conduct research and promote outreach activities. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a closely related field and experience in agronomy or related areas. Responsibilities include publishing research findings, mentoring students, and securing grant funding. Applications will be prioritized if received by January 30, 2026.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required at time of hire.
• Experience in agronomy, physiology, or cultivar development.
• Ability to publish research findings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and extension in agronomic evaluation of potato varieties.
• Mentor graduate students and secure grant funding.
• Publish research in refereed journals.

Skills

Research experience

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in agronomy or related field

Job description

Research Faculty - Ext. Specialist - Potato Variety Development

Recruitment Title: Research Faculty - Ext. Specialist - Potato Variety Development

Pay Range: Commensurate with experience

Primary Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Employee Category: Faculty

Classification Group Title: Research Faculty

Position Control Number: 2049

FTE: 1

FLSA Status: Exempt

Anticipated Contract Start Date: 04/13/2026

Position Summary

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Plant Sciences Department, is seeking to hire a fiscal year assistant professor for a tenure-track position. The faculty member is expected to conduct research and extension in agronomic and storage evaluation of potato varieties. Responsibilities: 65% scholarship & creative activity; 30% outreach & extension; and 5% university service & leadership. The faculty member is expected to publish research in refereed journals, present findings at professional conferences and to extension clientele, mentor graduate students, and secure external grant funding to support research and extension programs.

Minimum Education / Degree

Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in agronomy, horticulture, crop science, plant physiology, plant science, or a closely related field.
• Experience with agronomy, physiology, pest management, cultivar development, or storage.
• Experience initiating, completing, and publishing research findings.
• Experience communicating both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing research and extension programs.
• Demonstrated experience working on an agronomically important crop or experience in potato production systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of potato quality and storage management.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and industry personnel as part of a team.
• Evidence of securing external grant funding to support the research program.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and mentor students.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to work in adverse environmental conditions and work effectively with plant and soil materials that may contain pollen, dust or other irritants.

Posting Information

Posting Date: 12/12/2025

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications received by January 30, 2026, will receive first consideration.

Along with your online application, write a letter of qualification addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.

Include a CV, names & contact information for at least three (3) professional references, a Statement of Research & Extension, and unofficial transcripts.

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• List of References
• Transcripts
• Letter of Qualification
• Statement of Research

Optional Documents

Optional documents may be submitted.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Academic Careers
  • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Chronicle
  • Facebook
  • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
  • Indeed.com
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other Venue
  • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
  • University of Idaho Website
  • University of Idaho Daily Register
  • University of Idaho Employee
  • Word of Mouth
  • Militaryjob.com
  • DSPSjobs.com
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
• * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.

  (Open Ended Question)

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Visa Sponsorship

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.