Position Announcement
Assistant/Associate Professor – Soil Fertility & Nutrient Management
Title and Position: Assistant/ Associate Professor (twelve month annual appointment, tenure track) in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Michigan State University. This position is 60% Extension, 25% Research and 15% Teaching in the areas of soil fertility and nutrient management.
Background: Michigan State University is the Pioneer Land Grant University in the United States and is a national leader in agricultural research, teaching, and extension programming. Michigan agriculture includes a wide diversity of field and specialty crops and cropping systems. The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences has research scientists, teachers, and extension specialists working in the areas of soil fertility, soil chemistry, plant nutrition, nutrient management and agronomic cropping systems.
Responsibilities:
Extension & Research: This position offers the opportunity to provide leadership on research and education activities in soil fertility and nutrient management for field crops and field cropping systems in Michigan. An integrative approach to both extension and research is expected, working with multidisciplinary teams of research scientists, extension specialists, and stakeholders. We seek leadership in the utilization, application, and development of new approaches for effective management of essential plant nutrients and soil properties, particularly with respect to soil quality, maintaining environmental quality, and whole-farm nutrient management for sustainable crop production systems.
A critical component of this position is the creation of educational programs for field extension educators, farmers, agricultural professionals and government service providers. This individual will be an active participant in the Crop and Soil Sciences Extension Team and the Field Crops Area of Expertise (AoE) Team and will work with the Michigan fertilizer industry and governmental agencies to develop educational programs that address issues related to appropriate nutrient use and plant nutrition, and emerging requirements for nutrient accountability on farms. The incumbent is encouraged to interact with producer and commodity groups for the development of research and educational initiatives.
Candidates should be able to integrate new and novel technologies into research programs. Although primary emphasis will be on applied research and information transfer to client groups, the incumbent will be expected to develop a strong externally funded nationally recognized research program, publish in refereed journals, and train graduate students. Many opportunities exist at MSU to collaborate with nationally recognized scientists.
Together the extension and research programs of this position should enhance both farm profitability and environmental quality. Opportunities for regional cooperation and collaborations through North Central Region Committees and direct contacts with regional colleagues are available and encouraged.
Teaching: The incumbent will have responsibility for teaching a capstone undergraduate course in soil fertility and management (CSS 480) and will have the opportunity to contribute nutrient management information to other courses.
Qualifications: A Ph. D. in Soil Science or a related field with training in soil fertility, nutrient management and plant nutrition. Demonstrated experience in conducting soil fertility/ nutrient management research and in developing and presenting extension, outreach and/or classroom educational programs is expected. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with other researchers and clientele groups.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications.
Application Procedure: Submit the following either electronically or in hard copy.
Applications will be accepted until October 20, 2008 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Submit applications to Ms. Darlene Johnson, Administrative Assistant at johns146@msu.edu.
Nominations of qualified individuals and inquires about the position should be addressed to: Dr. Darryl Warncke, Search Committee Chair, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1325. warncke@msu.edu, ph. 517-355-0271x1270, FAX 517-355-0270.
MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Handicappers have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.