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Job Summary

Indiana has a diverse vegetable industry, is 2nd in the US for processing tomato production, and 5^th to 6^th in cantaloupe and watermelon production in most years. Most of this production occurs close to Vincennes, IN.  Diversified vegetable production has increased greatly over the past several years and has expanded into new crops. There is increasing interest to manage disease problems while improving productivity and sustainability for growers.  

The incumbent is responsible for vegetable pathology Extension and applied research across Indiana. Extension programming includes direct interaction with growers through farm visits, walk-ins at the research station, answering phone calls/emails and presentations to grower groups, including contributions to the Indiana Horticulture Conference and Expo and the Indiana Small Farm Conference.  Diagnostic activities conducted at the laboratory at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center are coordinated with the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab located on the Purdue main campus in West Lafayette.  Publications include Purdue Extension bulletins and contributing to regional publications such as the annual Midwest Vegetable Production Guide. Applied research to inform the candidate’s Extension work includes field and greenhouse trials for cultivar evaluation, fungicide efficacy, basic etiology of pathogens and their epidemiology.

 This position is located at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center located just north of Vincennes, IN. Facilities include 220 acres of land (including organic certified), several warm season greenhouses, 3 high tunnels, a research greenhouse with heat and evaporative cooling, and laboratory facilities (e.g., growth chamber, microscopy, autoclaves, etc.).

Qualifications

Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. in plant pathology or a closely related field, a record of scholarly publications, and strong communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates who have either significant training or experience in the different aspects of plant pathology and interactions with growers, and demonstrated collaborations across academic disciplines and with industry.

 Application Instructions

Interested applicants must submit an application packet that include separate statements on research interests, Extension philosophy, and diversity/inclusion, as well as a complete curriculum vitae that includes a summary of academic and other professional experiences, and the names and contact information for four references. Purdue University, the College of Agriculture, and the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged, but not required, to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom. All materials must be combined into one pdf and submitted electronically via this site – https://careers.purdue.edu/job-invite/26115/. Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2023, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Address questions to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Janna Beckerman (janna@purdue.edu). A background check will be required for employment in this position.