Assistant or Associate Professor and Extension Specialist - Ornamental Plant Pathology

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated faculty member for an Assistant or Associate Professor role in Plant Pathology. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop a nationally recognized Extension program focused on the management of diseases affecting the ornamental horticulture industry. With a blend of teaching, research, and service responsibilities, the successful candidate will engage with stakeholders and contribute to the education of future leaders in the field. This role promises a collaborative environment where your expertise will directly influence the health and sustainability of Georgia's ornamental plants, making a meaningful impact on the community and industry.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related discipline required.
• Skills in diagnosis and management of plant diseases are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop a nationally recognized Extension program on ornamental plant diseases.
• Provide disease management recommendations and conduct applied research.

Skills

Plant Pathology

Disease Management

Research Skills

Teaching Skills

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology

Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor and Extension Specialist - Ornamental Plant Pathology

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

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Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on February 3, 2025; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. James Buck, Chair of the Search Committee ([e-mail]). Materials to be uploaded include:

1. Cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience relative to the responsibilities of the position.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Graduate-level academic transcripts.
4. Statement of Extension philosophy and experience (uploaded under Other Documents #1).
5. Statement of teaching interests and experience.
6. Names and contact information of four professional references.

Selected applicants will be required to submit a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2235P
Working Title: Assistant or Associate Professor and Extension Specialist - Ornamental Plant Pathology
Department: CAES-Plant Pathology

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report.

Position Details

Classification Title: Open Rank
Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status: Tenure Track or Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related discipline.

Position Summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) seeks to hire a faculty member with Extension (80%), teaching (15%), and service (5%) assignments in the Department of Plant Pathology, Athens Campus. The position will be filled at the Assistant or Associate Professor level on a 9-month academic-year appointment with a guarantee of 2 months of summer salary. The faculty member will be responsible for developing a nationally recognized Extension program focused on the etiology, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting the $1.36-billion ornamental horticulture industry in Georgia, including nurseries, greenhouse ornamentals, floriculture, woody ornamentals, and commercial landscapes.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Education and training of stakeholder groups and Extension personnel.
2. Disease management recommendations for ornamental and commercial landscape samples diagnosed in the UGA Plant Disease Clinics.
3. Applied research on the etiology, diagnosis, and management of diseases of ornamental crops.
4. Information dissemination via journal articles, first reports, Extension publications, and popular press articles in traditional and digital formats.
5. Participation and leadership in extramural grant proposals.
6. Supervision and mentoring of graduate students in research areas commensurate with the mission-oriented scope of this position.

Collaborations with faculty and agents in the ornamental green industry team and the IPM Program at UGA are strongly encouraged. Teaching responsibilities will encompass the equivalent of 4 credit-hours per year. The position will be supervised by the Plant Pathology department head.

Additional Requirements

To be considered for the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must have at least 5 full years in rank at the Assistant Professor level. 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 regional and/or national reputation to the institution. Such candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Knowledge of and skill in the diagnosis and management of plant diseases, as documented by work history and/or scientific publication(s).

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes
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? Yes
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? Yes

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Other Documents #1
5. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy
6. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents