Assistant Professor in Controlled Environment Horticulture

Assistant Professor – Controlled Environment Horticulture
University of Minnesota – Department of Horticultural Science
50% Research / 50% Teaching

The Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota seeks outstanding applicants for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in Controlled Environment Horticulture. This is a 9-month (academic year), tenure-track faculty position with research, teaching and service responsibilities. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing a strong research program utilizing controlled-environments to develop sustainable and economically viable production systems that support the selection, culture, and marketing of specialty plants (crops).

The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program that integrates basic and applied horticulture to develop and optimize controlled environment production systems for selected horticultural specialty plants. Research should address the optimization and use of state-of–the-art controlled environments to develop and promote specialty plant production. The successful candidate will mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and research technicians. The candidate will develop and teach courses at the graduate and undergraduate level, and contribute to the department/college/university through service on assigned committees. The individual will be expected to publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline and to compete successfully for external funding to support their scholarly programs.

Research areas could include the development of production technologies that can increase the efficiency of inputs and production, while producing the highest quality products in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner in controlled environment horticultural systems. Vertical farming, hydroponics, aeroponics, and greenhouses are technologies of key interest. Areas of emphasis could include water use efficiency, optimization of plant mineral nutrition, soilless substrates, environmentally friendly energy generating sources for heating and advanced lighting technologies.

Required Qualifications
● Ph.D. in horticulture, plant sciences, botany, or related discipline
● Demonstrated knowledge of the identification, physiology, and/or cultural management practices for diverse horticultural plants
● Record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals
● Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain competitive funding
● Experience with formal classroom teaching or Extension/outreach teaching

Preferred Qualifications
● Expertise in plant research focused using controlled environments to optimize plant production/quality
● Demonstrated ability to conduct field trials, evaluate production potential and value of
horticultural plants
● Demonstrated communication skills across a spectrum of audiences
● Implementation of innovative and inclusive teaching and pedagogy via digital platforms
● Evidence of effective mentoring of students and/or staff
● Demonstrated experience in and an ongoing commitment to working effectively with and across diverse communities and identities

Special requirements
This position requires frequent travel among worksites including travel to offsite locations throughout Minnesota. Occasional national and international travel will also be required. This position may entail working outside under varying climatic conditions and may require lifting up to 50 pounds, operating farm/field equipment, applying fertilizers/pesticides/fungicides, as well as bending/kneeling/standing/etc as the research program requires.

How to apply
Applications must be submitted online. To review the full posting and apply, please visit: https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job and search job code 346890. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Complete applications for this position must include the following items:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• 1-2 page Research statement*
• 1-2 page Teaching statement*
• List of 3-5 professional references with contact information
  *Research and teaching statements should include information regarding your approach and work related to fostering diversity and inclusiveness.