Assistant, Associate, or Full Research Professor and State Extension Specialist

Sean Morton Ins Agency Inc; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Educational fee discounts

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. seeks an Assistant/Associate/Full Research Professor specializing in rice agronomy at the University of Missouri. This position involves applied research to enhance sustainable rice production while working closely with stakeholders in the Missouri rice community.

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in a relevant field, strong communication skills, and a track record in securing research funding. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, along with a collaborative environment for research and education.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in rice production including weed and insect control.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rice variety trials and manage rotations for yield optimization.
• Secure extramural funding and publish research findings.
• Disseminate research-based information through presentations and publications.

Skills

Proficiency in rice production practices

Excellent oral communication skills

Experience in precision agriculture

Ability to secure extramural funding

Knowledge of equipment operation

Experience in data analysis and writing

Education

Ph.D. in agronomy or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU), a land‑grant institution, seeks an Assistant/Associate/Full Research Professor and State Extension Specialist for rice agronomy. This 12‑month non‑tenure‑track faculty position with a 60% research and 40% extension appointment is located at the University of Missouri’s Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center in Portageville, MO.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will focus on applied agronomic research to improve sustainable rice production in southeast Missouri. The soils and topography of southeastern Missouri—the most northern region of U.S. rice production—offer a unique opportunity to study production in both paddy and row rice systems. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting rice variety trials and managing rice in rotation with other crops for optimum yields and quality.
• Providing leadership to discover and apply innovative tools and practices for the management of water, fertilizer, and other inputs to improve efficiency of rice production.
• Planning, designing, and conducting field experiments (including data collection and statistical analyses) with input from producers to target research projects relevant to the Missouri rice‑producing region.
• Securing extramural funding and publishing research findings.
• Disseminating research‑based information to producers, industry, and the scientific community through extension presentations and publications, including refereed journal articles.

A strong collaboration and working relationship with the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council (MRRMC) is required. The candidate is expected to relocate within 70 driving miles of the Fisher Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center, and to collaborate with public and private researchers, farmers, and extension specialists in Missouri and other states. Availability to rice producers to answer questions about rice production is critical.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, or a related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Proficiency in rice production practices, including knowledge of weed and disease/insect control, fertility, tillage, and irrigation.
• Excellent oral communication skills for interacting with farmers and other commodity stakeholders, and the ability to work well in a collaborative team.
• Experience in an aspect of precision agriculture (e.g., digital technology as it relates to modernizing farming practices).
• Ability to secure extramural funding.
• Knowledge of operating and maintaining plot and farm‑scale equipment.
• Proven experience in data analysis and writing (grant proposals, scientific publications, and extension publications).

Application Materials

Please submit a resume, a letter of application explaining suitability with demonstrated qualifications sought, a list of recent publications, academic transcripts, and contact information for at least three references. Applications should be submitted at the following website: http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/index.php. Job ID 59746

Contact

Questions pertaining to the job may be directed to Dr. Kevin Bradley, Chair of the Search Committee at 573‑882‑1239. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at 573‑882‑7976 or [e-mail].

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin July 1, 2026 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573‑884‑7278.