Assistant Professor, Plant-Associated Bacteria

Assistant Professor, Plant-Associated Bacteria

Department of Plant Pathology

College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

University of Minnesota

Position: The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota is searching for an outstanding candidate to fill a faculty position in the area of plant-associated bacteria, focusing on bacterial plant diseases and the use of modern techniques to study bacteria and their interactions with plants and plant microbiomes.  This position is a nine-month, 50% research and 50% teaching, tenure track appointment at the rank of assistant professor.

Responsibilities:

Research: The successful candidate will carry out basic, applied, or translational research on plant-associated bacteria and bacterial diseases of plants.  This individual will use contemporary research approaches to explore potential research topics such as the roles of plant prokaryotic microbiomes in plant productivity; epiphytic or endophytic prokaryotic ‘omics in relation to microbiome assembly, diversity, functional capacities, and plant productivity; roles of prokaryotes in plant disease resistance, adaptation to biotic or abiotic stress or nutrient cycling; or biology and management of bacterial plant diseases.  The incumbent will be expected to be responsive to new and emerging bacterial plant diseases, and collaborate in developing practical solutions for diagnosis and/or management. Development of vigorous extramural support for the research program, publication in high impact journals, and incorporation of undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers is expected. The incumbent will have access to outstanding research and teaching facilities at the University of Minnesota and the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse community of faculty and staff working on the pathology, ecology, genomics, evolutionary biology, and functional capacities of plant-associated microbes within the Department of Plant Pathology and allied departments.

Teaching: The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to teaching and is expected to develop a teaching program that includes a graduate-level course in Phytobacteriology as well as an additional undergraduate or graduate course that aligns with the incumbent’s interests and skill sets.  Opportunities for collaborative, cross-disciplinary courses are also available. This individual will be expected to mentor and advise graduate and undergraduate students and post-doctoral researchers.

Qualifications:

Required: Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, ecology, plant sciences, or relevant biological science.  Demonstrated research experience in contemporary areas of bacteriology. Strong publication record in a relevant field in internationally recognized journals. Evidence of excellent communication skills.

Preferred: Postdoctoral experience strongly preferred. Proven ability to conduct innovative, original research. Grant writing experience. Experience in research on plant-associated bacteria and/or microbiomes using the latest genomics, phenomics, and/or informatics approaches. Demonstration of teaching experience at the university level and a vigorous commitment to mentoring students.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The University’s outstanding fringe benefits package includes participation in the University’s faculty retirement program; group life, medical, and dental insurance plans; and sabbatical, semester, and parental leave opportunities. Detailed benefits information is available at: http://humanresources.umn.edu/benefits

Application Instructions: Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, 2-3 page statement of research plans and experience, 1-2 page statement of teaching experience and philosophy, the names and contact information for three references, and a brief statement (up to one page) describing interest, experience with, and commitment to diversity and inclusiveness to the online application system described below. Review of applications will begin July 15th and continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Nevin Young, at neviny@umn.edu or 612-625-2225..

How to Apply: Please submit your application materials online via the University of Minnesota Employment System: https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs , Job ID 330691.

Additional information about the Department of Plant Pathology can be found at: http://plpa.cfans.umn.edu/ and about the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Science at: http://www.cfans.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. As an institution committed to demonstrating excellence through diversity, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the University are committed to hiring a diverse faculty and staff, and strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply. We welcome you to visit our college’s Diversity and Inclusion web page at: http://www.cfans.umn.edu/diversity/