Assistant Professor - Ornamental Horticulturist

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for an Assistant Professor specializing in Ornamental Horticulture. This exciting tenure-track position will involve conducting impactful research to enhance ornamental crop production and teaching future horticulturists. The role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and contribute to the academic community. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in research, teaching experience, and excellent communication skills. Join a vibrant team dedicated to advancing horticultural science and making a difference in the industry!

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Horticulture or closely related plant science discipline required.
• Experience in research on ornamental crops at the M.S. and/or Ph.D. level.

Responsibilities

• Conduct applied research to enhance ornamental crop production.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in horticulture.

Skills

Research on ornamental crops

Teaching effectiveness

Communication skills

Grant proposal development

Education

Ph.D. in Horticulture or related field

Job description

Position Information

Job Title: Assistant Professor – Ornamental Horticulturist

Posting Number: P1768F

Position Summary Information:

The Department of Horticulture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor – Ornamental Horticulturist. This position will be a nine-month, tenure-track faculty position with 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. The projected start date is August 2025.

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct applied research that will enhance ornamental crop production and usage in Alabama and the region.
2. Develop a strong research program that supports the current and future needs of the Alabama Nursery and Ornamental Greenhouse industries.
3. Address relevant topics related to outdoor nursery crop production, greenhouse floriculture, and potted plant production.
4. Collaborate with faculty members and extension personnel at Auburn and beyond.
5. Publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline of their research.
6. Compete successfully for external funding to support their research program.
7. Mentor undergraduates in short-term research projects and train future scientists by advising M.S. and Ph.D. students.
8. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses; specific course offerings will be negotiable based on expertise.
9. Engage in departmental, college, and university service.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Horticulture or a closely related plant science discipline at the time employment begins. Experience in research on ornamental crops at the M.S. and/or Ph.D. level. Experience with conventional outdoor and protected cultivation methods for production of ornamental crops. Evidence of scholarly productivity including published peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and presentations at scientific societies. A record of developing successful competitive grant proposals. Experience teaching (as TA or instructor of record) undergraduate and/or graduate courses. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences. Must meet eligibility requirements for employment in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience in research on ornamental crop production at the Postdoctoral level. Experience securing extramural competitive grant funding and support of a research program as principal investigator. Experience showing teaching effectiveness and excellence in teaching scholarship. Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants must apply for the position by visiting the link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/46314 and attach the following: 1) a cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to all of the responsibilities of the position, 2) current Curriculum Vitae, 3) copies of ALL academic transcripts, 4) statement on research philosophy, and 5) statement of teaching philosophy. When prompted during the online process, please provide names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete applications will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply prior to or by end of business on November 15, 2024, but the search may continue until the position is filled. Questions concerning the advertised position should be directed to: Dr. Daniel Wells, Search Committee Chair, email: [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement:

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.