ASSISTANT PROFESSOR – WEED BIOLOGIST

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR – WEED BIOLOGIST

The Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor – Weed Biologist.  This position will be a nine-month, tenure-track position with a 75% research and 25% teaching appointment.  The projected start date is August 16, 2020.

Responsibilities:  The successful candidate will be expected to develop a dynamic, impactful and innovative research program in the area of weed biology, ecology, and evolution.  Of specific interest, the research program would focus on enhancing understanding in how weed management practices influence weed communities, how management and environmental selection pressures influence population genetic changes (e.g., genetic drift, allele frequency, genetics) in weed species, and how climate change is impacting weed management practices and the evolution of weed species. The successful candidate would be expected to use basic biological and ecological principles to solve and understand applied weed management issues. Candidates would be expected to transfer knowledge acquired from basic biology research to applied management practices. The successful candidate would be expected to develop novel and creative non-herbicide based weed management concepts and practices that take advantage of improved understanding of management impacts on weed biology. The continued use of herbicides as the primary mechanism of weed management in agronomic crops is largely seen as unsustainable due to evolved herbicide resistance.  Candidates are expected to provide novel insight into improving sustainability of herbicide-based weed management practices. While the primary focus of this position is focused on greater understanding of weeds species biology, some research effort on utilizing herbicides and the impact of herbicide chemistry practices on weed populations can be included in the overall research program. The primary plant systems research focus by the individual in this position will be in agronomic crops. The successful candidate in this position would be expected to work closely and cooperatively with other weed scientists in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, as well as other scientists in related fields. 

Teaching responsibilities are 6-8 hours of course credit per academic year, including an upper level undergraduate/graduate weed science course and a graduate level weed science course.  The successful candidate will mentor undergraduate students and supervise graduate programs in weed science.  As a member of the College of Agriculture and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, this position will also participate in service and outreach activities. 

Qualifications:  Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in weed science, plant biology, or similar related fields at the time employment begins.  Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research in weed management resulting in peer-reviewed publications is required.  Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research and teaching program.  The successful candidate must possess excellent written and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences.  The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the term of employment.  Candidates with experience in agronomy or applied weed management is preferred.

Application:  Applicants must apply for the position by visiting the link: http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3753  and attach the following:

1.  Cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position
2. Current curriculum vita
3. Copies of ALL academic transcripts
4. Statement of research interests and accomplishments
5. Statement of teaching philosophy and/or accomplishments

When prompted during the on-line process, please provide names, email addresses and phone numbers for three (3) professional references.  Only complete applications materials will be considered.  To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by end of business on September 30, 2019.  The search will continue until the position is filled.  Questions about this position should be directed to:  Dr. Scott McElroy, Search Committee Chair, email:  jsm0010@auburn.edu

The University:  Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions. In 2019, it was ranked 52nd among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Auburn University is ranked as an R1 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and maintains high levels of research activity and high standards for teaching excellence, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctor’s degrees in agriculture and engineering, the professions, and the arts and sciences. Its 2018 enrollment of 30,440 students includes 24,628 undergraduates and 5,812 graduate and professional students. Organized into twelve academic colleges and schools, Auburn’s 1,450 faculty members offer more than 200 educational programs. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, its positive work environment, its student engagement, and its beautiful campus.

Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika-Columbus statistical area has a population of over 500,000, with excellent public school systems and regional medical centers.

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