Assistant Professor - Plant Pathology

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh, NC invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology. This 9-month faculty position splits 60% teaching and 40% research, with leadership in the undergraduate plant pathology curriculum and mentoring, while building an externally visible research program.

Minimum qualifications include a PhD in Plant Pathology or related field, an active scholarly agenda, and the ability to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Pathology or related field.
• Active scholarly agenda demonstrated through publications, presentations, or other scholarly contributions.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and engage in outreach and collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and modernize core undergraduate plant pathology curriculum and related courses.
• Build and sustain an externally visible research program aligned with departmental strengths.
• Contribute to department service, governance, and professional engagement.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and collaborate across disciplines.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring

Communication

Education

PhD in Plant Pathology or related field

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Number: PG194816EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Assistant Professor - Plant Pathology

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience and credentials.

Work Schedule: Core Business Hours (Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) schedule will vary based on teaching and research needs.

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Entomology and Plant Pathology

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a varied portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here,, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor to advance its undergraduate educational mission in plant pathology while developing a complementary research program. This is a 9-month faculty position that has split responsibilities of 60% teaching and 40% research. The role provides leadership in delivering and evolving the undergraduate plant pathology curriculum, integrating active learning, case-based instruction, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to prepare students for careers and continued study in the discipline. The role includes approximately two to three courses annually, spanning foundational plant pathology instruction, team-taught and specialized courses, and the development of undergraduate and distance education offerings.

In this role, you will help shape how plant pathology is taught, experienced, and applied across the curriculum while building a research program that complements the department's strengths. Your scholarship may engage areas such as plant disease diagnostics and management, fungal biology, soilborne pathogens, plant disease ecology, plant-soil-microbe systems, or epidemiology. You will have opportunities to develop innovative teaching and research programs, create meaningful experiential learning experiences, and foster collaboration across disciplines while engaging students in discovery and inquiry.

Key Responsibilities fall within the following functional areas:

Teaching and Mentoring:

• Deliver and modernize core undergraduate plant pathology curriculum, including PP 315 (Principles of Plant Pathology) and its laboratory component, through innovative approaches such as active learning, case studies, emerging technologies, and distance education.
• Contribute to graduate, team-taught, and specialized courses while helping shape curriculum innovation and assessment across the program.
• Create meaningful opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with research, discovery, and other experiential learning.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars in their academic and professional development.

Research and Discovery:

• Build and sustain an active, externally visible research program that complements departmental strengths and advances knowledge in plant pathology.
• Develop collaborative research that engages students and connects teaching, discovery, and emerging areas such as soilborne pathogens, fungal biology, and plant-soil-microbe interactions.
• Pursue scholarly work, external support, and partnerships that expand the reach and impact of your research.
• Contribute to a culture of inquiry and discovery across the department and broader scientific community.

Department Service and Professional Engagement:

• Contribute to department, college, and university priorities through service, faculty governance, and academic leadership.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and professional partnerships that strengthen teaching, research, and engagement.
• Engage with the broader scientific community through professional leadership, manuscript and grant review, and scholarly activities.
• Support outreach and initiatives that enhance the visibility and impact of the department and university while fostering a collegial, inclusive, and productive academic environment.

If you are an innovative educator, collaborative researcher, and engaged academic who is passionate about advancing plant pathology education and discovery, we encourage you to apply.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: PhD in Plant Pathology or related field

Other Required Qualifications:

• Expertise in plant pathology or a closely related discipline, with knowledge applicable to areas such as plant disease diagnostics and management, fungal biology, soilborne pathogens, plant disease ecology, plant-soil-microbe systems, or epidemiology.
• Evidence of an active scholarly agenda in plant pathology or a related field, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, manuscripts, or other recognized scholarly contributions, supporting the capacity to establish a research program that engages students, fosters collaboration, and contributes to the advancement of the plant pathology discipline.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex plant pathology concepts through undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, research, presentations, or other scholarly and educational settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Innovative and effective approaches to teaching, including active learning, case-based instruction, technology-enhanced learning, or distance education.
• Mentorship of undergraduate or graduate students through research, teaching, or other academic or professional development activities.
• Secured external research support and/or developing collaborative research initiatives.
• Working across disciplines and engaging with academic, industry, extension, or other partners to advance research, education, or outreach.
• Active engagement in professional service, scholarly peer review, scientific societies, or outreach that contributes to the broader plant pathology community.

Required License(s) or Certification(s): Valid NC Driver's License

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 08/21/2026

Anticipated Close Date: 9/18/2026, if the posting is active we are still accepting and reviewing applications.

Position Details

Position Number: 00000195

Position Type: Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00

Appointment: 9 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology

EEO Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status.

The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.