Assistant Professor/Extension Sugarbeet Agronomist

Department of Plant Sciences, NDSU; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

North Dakota State University is seeking a 12-month, tenure-track Extension/Research faculty member in the Department of Plant Sciences to advance weed science and sugarbeet production across North Dakota and Minnesota.

You will develop educational materials, conduct applied research, publish results, and secure extramural funding while collaborating with NDSU and University of Minnesota colleagues and sugarbeet industry partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in weed science, crop science, agronomy or related field by hire date.
• Demonstrated experience in applied crop production and/or weed management.
• Ability to work effectively with university faculty, Extension personnel, producer organizations, and the public.
• Ability to conduct applied research, interpret and communicate findings, and develop science-based recommendations for producers.
• Proven ability to collaborate with stakeholders, colleagues, and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Proficiency with computer applications and relevant technologies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Possession of a valid US driver’s license or ability to obtain one by hire date.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by hire date, a valid pesticide applicator’s license in ND and MN.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of Extension and applied research programs focused on weed management and cropping systems for sugarbeet production.
• Develop educational materials and programs for producers, industry professionals, and Extension personnel.
• Conduct applied research and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and Extension publications.
• Deliver science-based recommendations to support successful sugarbeet production.
• Pursue extramural funding and coordinate activities across department and college faculty and Extension agents.
• Build collaborative partnerships with NDSU and UMN colleagues and sugarbeet partners; coordinate across agronomic disciplines.
• Coordinate Extension and research activities across faculty and Extension agents; advise graduate students.

Skills

English communication

Stakeholder engagement

Grant writing

Collaboration

Education

PhD in weed science, crop science, agronomy

Job description

This is a 12-month, tenure-track position (70% Extension, 20% research, and 10% service) in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University. The position is jointly funded by North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the University of Minnesota (U of M). The incumbent will be based at NDSU and expected to work in both North Dakota and Minnesota. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of Extension and applied research programs focused on weed management and cropping systems for sugarbeet production. Responsibilities include developing educational materials and programs for producers, industry professionals, and Extension personnel; conducting applied research; publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and Extension publications; delivering science-based recommendations to support successful sugarbeet production; and pursuing extramural funding. The incumbent will build collaborative partnerships (including equipment and resources) with NDSU faculty and staff, specifically in the NDSU Departments of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology; with the University of Minnesota; the Sugarbeet Research and Education Board; USDA sugarbeet researchers; allied industry partners in the sugarbeet industry; and sugarbeet cooperatives. Extension programming will use a variety of delivery methods, including print and digital publications, web resources, presentations, field days, workshops, radio, television, and virtual platforms. Additional responsibilities include coordinating Extension and research activities across department and college faculty and Extension agents across a range of agronomic disciplines, and advising graduate students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned PhD in weed science, crop science, agronomy, or a related field by the hire date.
• Demonstrated experience in applied crop production and/or in weed management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with university faculty, Extension personnel, producer organizations, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research, interpret and communicate findings, and develop science-based recommendations for producers.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, colleagues, and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Proficiency with computer applications and relevant technologies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Possession of a valid US driver's license or the ability to obtain one by the date of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the hire date, a valid pesticide applicator’s license in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Farm background or practical agricultural production experience.
• Experience with sugarbeet production systems.
• Experience in Extension, teaching, stakeholder engagement, or agricultural outreach.
• Research, industry, or applied agricultural experience in crop production and weed management.
• Demonstrated success in developing competitive grant proposals, securing extramural funding, and publishing research findings.
• Knowledge of agricultural regulations and experience navigating regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with precision agriculture, crop data management, or related digital agriculture technologies.