Job Opportunities
Assistant Professor Botany & Plant Pathology, Turfgrass Pathology
Job Summary
The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University is seeking applications for a faculty position in applied plant pathology at the Assistant Professor level. The position is tenure track, with an academic year appointment and potential for summer Extension support. The primary responsibility of the successful candidate is the extension of applied and translational research on turfgrass diseases important to Indiana. The candidate is expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program focused on plant disease epidemiology, applied organismal biology, and/or plant disease management. Extension activities will include, but not be limited to, the development of educational materials and programming (including distance learning and social media) that focus on practical solutions to turf disease problems for a broad range of commercial stakeholders. The successful candidate will be required to mentor graduate students, contribute to teaching undergraduate or graduate courses (10% effort), and participate in departmental, college and university committees. The Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) is a dedicated partner with a long track record of supporting research, extension and undergraduate education activites of Purdue's Turf Science Program. The successful candidate will be expected to attract external support and collaborate effectively with other faculty within the department and across disciplines at Purdue to improve our understanding of the turfgrass pathology and the economics of plant disease control. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with professional experience.
The Department
The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology has a diverse and creative faculty that conducts research in plant pathology, plant biology, and weed science. The department is part of a dynamic research community of plant scientists in the College of Agriculture and across the university. The department is located in Lilly Hall with research labs, greenhouse space, and plant growth facilities. The MRTF supports the Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center, a state-of-the-art research and education facility that provides the opportunity to conduct research on contemporary turfgrass management issues.
The College
The Department is an integral part of the College of Agriculture, one of the world's leading colleges of agricultural, food, life, and natural resource sciences and ranked sixth in the US in the 2019 QS World University Rankings. The College is deeply committed to the three land-grant missions (teaching, research, and extension), to international activities and perspectives that span all missions, and to excellence in all we do. The College has 11 academic departments and includes 313 faculty, 2803 undergraduate students, and 672 graduate students. The College's strategic plan can be accessed at https://ag.purdue.edu/plan/Pages/default.aspx
Qualifications
Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in plant pathology or closely related field. Experience in disease ecology, epidemiology, management, modeling, statistics, or related research areas are preferred. Postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential and candidates should be able to demonstrate good teaching skills.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants must submit an application packet that outlines their research interests, a statement of their Extension philosophy, professional goals, diversity statement, a complete curriculum vitae that includes a summary of academic and other professional experiences, and the names and contact information for four references. All materials must be combined into one pdf and submitted electronically via this site – https://careers.purdue.edu/go/West-Lafayette-Faculty/7721600/. Review of applications will begin on September 30, 2019 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Address questions to Janna Beckerman (janna@purdue.edu). A background check will be required for employment in this position.
Purdue University's Department of Botany and Plant Pathology is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion. Purdue is an ADVANCE institution – https://www.purdue.edu/advance-purdue/.
Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.