Assistant Professor - DIH Forage Production

University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Town of River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision benefits

Wisconsin Retirement System benefits

Job summary

The Department of Plant and Earth Science at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls invites applications for a full-time, nine-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Crop and Soil Science, funded by the Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub. The successful candidate will balance roughly 60% research with 40% teaching, including undergraduate courses in forage crop production and related fields.

Anticipated start date is January 7, 2027.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required; coursework completion may lead to conditional appointment with degree completed within one year.
• Strong interest and ability to teach undergraduates.
• Ability to communicate to diverse audiences and work with diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Develop an applied forage production research program focusing on the U.S. dairy industry.
• Teach undergraduate courses in forage crop production, pasture production, and introductory plant science; develop innovative, student-centered courses.
• Advise undergraduate students, oversee independent studies and internships; participate in departmental and university service.

Skills

Teaching undergraduate courses

Communication skills

Grant writing

Student mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Department of Plant and Earth Science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is seeking a full-time, nine-month tenure track faculty position (60% research and 40% teaching) at the rank of Assistant Professor to support our Crop and Soil Science Program. The position is funded by the Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub. The teaching load for this 40% teaching appointment will be approximately five (5) credit hours per semester, or ten (10) credit hours per academic year (the standard full-time teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester or 24 credit hours per academic year). The successful candidate will 1) demonstrate strong interest in forage production research for the dairy industry; 2) have an ability to conduct applied research on forage crop production systems for the dairy industry; and 3) be committed to excellence in teaching at our primarily undergraduate institution. Opportunities exist for optional summer employment through research grants, teaching and other funding sources. Anticipated Appointment date: January 7, 2027.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research (60%)

• Develop an applied research program focusing on forage production related to the U.S. dairy industry. Communicate research results to diverse audiences through forums such as professional scientific meetings, referred publications, dairy industry groups, and local producer groups. Develop collaborations and networks across the dairy industry, within local and state government, and throughout the Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub. Secure extramural funding sufficient to sustain a vibrant research program that includes the training and mentoring of undergraduate research students.

Teaching (40%)

• Develop and teach undergraduate courses in forage crop production, pasture production, and introductory plant science courses plus additional courses in the Crop Science discipline based on the successful candidate’s educational background and departmental needs. Develop innovative, student-centered courses and experiences that engage learners; regularly assess and revise curriculum to meet the evolving needs of Crop and Soil Science Program. Advise undergraduate students and facilitate independent studies, internships and other high‑impact learning experiences.

Other

• Advise co‑curricular activities including student organizations. Participate in university service and shared governance at the department, college, and university levels.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Qualifications (Required):

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science or related field. Applicants who have finished coursework and are still working on degree requirements may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their program within one year of the date of employment. Record of scholarship including peer‑reviewed publications in crop production research. Strong interest and desire to teach undergraduate courses. Ability to effectively communicate to diverse audiences and commitment to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications (Preferred):

• Experience with on‑farm forage production research related to the U.S. dairy industry. Documented successful undergraduate teaching in the Crop Science discipline including forage crop production and introductory plant science, teaching assistantships, or formal training for teaching in higher education. Experience with advising, mentoring, or supervising undergraduate students. Professional or dairy industry experience and/or connections. Record of success in obtaining grant funding.

Deadline to Apply

Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before September 18, 2026.

• Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low‑cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave.
• To learn more about our benefits, go to: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.