Job Opportunities

Assistant Professor - Turfgrass Pathology

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.

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.

Assistant Professor - Plant-Nematode Interactions

The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University is seeking applications for an Assistant Professor, Plant–Nematode Interactions. This is a 9-month appointment, tenure track (70% research, 30% teaching) with split appointments in the Departments of Botany and Plant Pathology (75%) and Entomology (25%), both in the College of Agriculture. The successful candidate is expected to develop an innovative, internationally recognized, and externally funded research program on the molecular biology, genomics and genetics of plant–nematode interactions to enhance understanding of plant-parasitic nematodes and host–parasite interactions. Emphasis could include but is not limited to genomics of nematode resistance, nematode virulence, plant–nematode interactions at the molecular, cellular, organismal, or population levels. In addition, research in soil and root microbiomes that contribute to suppression of nematodes and a better understanding of interaction between nematodes, microbiome, and other plant pests and pathogens could be important for this position. Recent reports of soybean nematode resistance genes being overcome by new nematode biotypes highlight the urgency of research on genetic resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) to identify and deploy new sources of resistance. Thus, the appointee is expected to conduct strong basic research but also translate findings for the improvement of crop health and yield. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level plant pathology courses, mentor graduate students, and participate in the academic programs of both departments, as well as serve on departmental, college and university committees.

Qualifications: Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. in plant pathology, nematology, plant genetics or a closely-related field. Post-doctoral experience in nematode–plant interactions is desirable. Experience in the molecular genetics and genomics of host–parasite interaction 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 teaching philosophy, professional goals, 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 November 15, 2019 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Address questions to Tesfaye Mengiste (mengiste@purdue.edu). A background check will be required for employment in this position.