Assistant or Associate Professor and Extension Specialist - Ornamental Plant Pathology

New Jersey Department of Children and Families; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a faculty member in Plant Pathology at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. The role involves a combination of teaching, research, and outreach, focusing on plant disease management in horticulture, with significant responsibilities in developing educational programs and conducting research.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field required.
• Experience in plant diseases and Extension programs preferred.
• 5 years experience for Associate Professor rank.

Responsibilities

• Develop a recognized Extension program for plant diseases.
• Educate and train stakeholders on disease management.
• Conduct applied research in plant pathology.

Skills

Knowledge of plant diseases

Diagnosis and management skills

Research publication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related discipline

Job description

External Retirement Plan Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization None Advertised Salary Salary commensurate with qualifications and experiences Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2025 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 12/04/2024 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
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 i) cover letter addressing the candidate's experience relative to the responsibilities of the position, ii) curriculum vitae, iii) graduate-level academic transcripts, iv) statement of Extension philosophy and experience (uploaded under Other Documents #1), v) statement of teaching interests and experience, and vi) 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.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Open Rank FLSA Faculty Rank 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 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 include: education and training of stakeholder groups and Extension personnel; disease management recommendations for ornamental and commercial landscape samples diagnosed in the UGA Plant Disease Clinics; applied research on the etiology, diagnosis, and management of diseases of ornamental crops; information dissemination via journal articles, first reports, Extension publications, and popular press articles in traditional and digital formats; participation and leadership in extramural grant proposals; and 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. The criteria for promotion and tenure at the University of Georgia and in the Department of Plant Pathology are available at https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure-evaluation/academic-rank/
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)
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies 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 (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
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. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

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