Research Assistant Professor/Research Associate Professor(Horticulture/Pomologist)

Texas A&M University; Prairie View (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Texas seeks a researcher to establish a world-class program focused on innovative fruit and nut crop production. Responsibilities include acquiring funding, teaching courses related to pomology, publishing findings, and collaborating on outreach efforts. Candidates should hold a doctorate in Horticulture and possess at least six years of experience in the field along with a strong track record of research productivity and grant acquisition.

Qualifications

• Six years of related experience in fruit/nut crop production.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity including peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in conducting interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
• Ability to work cooperatively and multitask.
• Demonstrated ability in extension, outreach, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a world-class research program in fruit/nut crop production.
• Acquire external grants to support the research program.
• Teach a course related to pomology with laboratory and field exercises.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with outreach activities and development of educational materials.

Skills

Research expertise in fruit production

Ability to acquire external grants

Strong communication skills

Ability to develop research programs

Extension and outreach experience

Education

Doctorate degree in Horticulture or related discipline

Job description

* Establish and maintain a world-class research program focused on innovative fruit and nut crop production systems that support orchard systems suited to the Texas climate and soils. Focus on alleviating horticultural challenges faced by small-scale farmers engaged in fruit and nut tree crop production. Research priorities include identifying suitable cultivars, sustainable propagation techniques, pest and disease management, fruit quality enhancement, post-harvest physiology, and climate resilience.* Acquire external grants to support the impactful and relevant research program through collaborations with internal and external partners.* Establish and maintain an orchard showcasing fruit/nut species adapted to the local area, and use orchard as a training site for students, communities, and home gardeners.* Teach a course with laboratory and field exercises related to pomology.* Train graduate and undergraduate students in fruit/nut production-related research as well as mentor postdoctoral researchers.* Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present at scientific conferences.* Collaborate with PVAMU Extension on outreach activities and fact sheet development.* Strengthen plant science research in CAFNR by enhancing research infrastructure, capabilities, and acquiring research equipment.* Participate in and support college-wide events, activities, and serve on committees.* Performs other duties as assigned.* Doctorate degree in Horticulture with a focus in Pomology or a closely related discipline.* Six years of related experience in fruit/nut crop production.* Evidence of scholarly productivity including peer reviewed publications and extension bulletins, fact sheets, and workshops conducted.* Demonstrated research expertise in fruit production research and managing fruit tree farms.* Demonstrated ability to acquire external research grants.* Ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.* Ability to develop clear short-term and long-term research programs addressing major issues in fruit crop production.* Experience conducting interdisciplinary and collaborative research.* Demonstrated experience in extension, outreach and stakeholder engagement.* Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others, i.e., collegiality.* Strong verbal and written communication skills.**Background Check Requirements:** The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS.The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee.Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees.