Assistant Professor, Sustainable Food Production Systems

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated professional to lead teaching and research in Sustainable Food Production Systems. This role involves mentoring students, developing innovative courses, and establishing a prominent research program focused on sustainable horticultural practices. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, contributing to the Urban Food Systems graduate program while managing the Willow Lake Student Farm. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of horticulture and sustainable agriculture.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plans

Paid Time Off

Sabbatical Leave Opportunities

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Horticulture or related field required.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and research.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in horticulture and sustainable agriculture.
• Develop a nationally recognized research program.

Skills

Sustainable Production Practices

Teaching Excellence

Research Publication

Communication Skills

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Horticulture

Qualification for K-State Graduate Faculty

Job description

About This Role

This position will be focused on teaching and research in the area of Sustainable Food Production Systems within horticultural crops. The successful candidate will support our undergraduate and graduate horticulture programs, including the M.S. specialization in Urban Food Systems. Teaching responsibilities will primarily support the undergraduate horticulture production option and will include leadership of the Willow Lake Student Farm. Research responsibilities will include establishment of a nationally recognized and externally funded program focused on sustainable horticultural crop production systems. Candidates with teaching and research experience related to assessing sustainability, crop production methods, regenerative agriculture, and/or urban food systems are encouraged to apply. This position provides numerous opportunities including the potential for multi-disciplinary collaboration, leadership and development of the Willow Lake Student Farm, working with faculty located at K-State Olathe and our research and extension centers in Olathe and Wichita, and contributing towards the Urban Food Systems graduate program at Kansas State University.

Major Responsibilities:

Teaching:

• Teach approximately 9-10 credit hours per year of face-to-face or online courses, in addition to student advising/mentorship, and leadership of a student club.


• The teaching assignment will include undergraduate courses in vegetable and fruit crop production, sustainable agriculture, and other courses to support the horticulture production option, and courses to support the M.S. Urban Food Systems specialization.


• Participate in the department's efforts to expand online course offerings by developing the above courses for online delivery. Specific courses to be developed will be determined in consultation with the department head.


• Advise undergraduate and graduate students and serve as faculty advisor for the Student Farm Club.


• Be an active member of the Urban Food Systems faculty group and the Horticulture Teaching faculty group.


• Conduct scholarship in teaching, such as course and curriculum development, peer-reviewed publications and collaborative activities that are validated by peers and communicated to others in the field.


• Serve as Director of the Willow Lake Student Farm.

Research:

• Develop a vigorous, externally funded and nationally recognized research program focused on the sustainability, productivity, quality and/or profitability of horticultural crops.


• Publish research in refereed journals.


• Collaborate on research projects with horticulture and related discipline faculty members located at K-State Olathe, the Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center, and the John C. Pair Horticulture Center, Haysville.


• Participate in all facets of graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and publishing the results with graduate students.

Location: Manhattan, KS

About Us

The Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources originated in 1871, making it one of the oldest departments at Kansas State University. Today, as our mission statement underscores, we are committed to educating outstanding undergraduate
and graduate students, contributing research results to solve problems associated with our disciplines, and providing our constituencies across the state, region and nation with excellent extension programs. Our department conducts its activities at a variety of locations with facilities on the main campus in Manhattan and outlying research and education centers.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hr/benefits/

Worksite Option

This position is on-site.

An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review. Review K-State's remote work policy details for more information.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Horticulture or closely related Plant Science discipline


• Qualification for membership on the K-State Graduate Faculty upon start date (earned Ph.D. and published at least one research article in a refereed journal)


• Commitment to excellence in teaching


• Demonstrated excellence in research


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Ability to work as a member of multidisciplinary teams including stakeholders


• Experience in sustainable production practice

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate and graduate education including student advising/mentorship


• Experience with the scholarship of teaching and learning


• Demonstrated ability to develop an externally-funded research program that contributes to knowledge of sustainable food production systems


• Experience with leadership/management of a teaching/research farm (i.e., similar to the Willow Lake Student Farm)

How to Apply

To ensure full consideration, each candidate should submit: 1) cover letter that includes a statement of professional goals for teaching and research; 2) curriculum vitae with full list of publications; 3) names and contact information for three professional references; 4) official transcripts of all college-level work.

Screening of Applications Begins

For best consideration, apply by February 21, 2025. Screening will continue until the position is filled.

Anticipated appointment will begin August 2025.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with professional experience. Compensation includes excellent fringe benefits that consist of employer contributions to the individual's retirement program, medical, life & disability insurance, paid vacation/sick leave, and sabbatical-leave opportunities.