Open Rank Faculty – Professor of Plant Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding

About the Taylor Geospatial Institute Cluster Hiring Initiative 

In April 2022, Saint Louis University launched the Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI) – the nation’s leading geospatial research collaborative, comprising eight of the Midwest’s outstanding research institutions. The TGI is led by Saint Louis University and includes the Danforth Plant Science Center, Harris-Stowe State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri–Columbia, University of Missouri–St. Louis, and Washington University in St. Louis. TGI’s vision is to be the nation’s leader in geospatial science research and accelerate the St. Louis region’s development as a global geospatial center of excellence. TGI is harnessing the power of partnerships with industry, government agencies, and research entities to grow talent and develop core geospatial science and adjacent fields that enable positive impacts on some of the world’s greatest challenges including food systems, geospatial health, and national security. 

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution dedicated to student learning, research, healthcare, and service. With the goal of becoming a world-class leader and creating a lasting geospatial impact, SLU intends to hire strategically across the University in areas that directly intersect with the TGI. Enabled by the legacy gift supporting TGI, SLU has the opportunity to hire approximately 20 faculty in the 2024-2026 academic years, establishing its position as a world-class research University in geospatial science and adjacent fields while simultaneously multiplying its excellence in its teaching and service mission. This call for faculty positions is part of this exciting cluster hire initiative in geospatial science and adjacent fields. 

The Position

The Department of Biology at Saint Louis University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor position in Plant Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding to start in August 2024. Candidates are expected to have experience and expertise in quantitative genetics, genomics and/or related fields, some aspects of plant biology including but not limited to plant physiology, morphology, and/or pathology, and potential or actual applications of this knowledge in plant breeding programs. In addition, the successful candidate should have demonstrated skills in geospatial applications that integrate data on environmental conditions with remotely sensed spectral data (multi-spectral, LIDAR and others) that provide information on plant biology, enabling high-resolution spatial assessment of plants required for efficient breeding.

Excellent facilities and a competitive start-up package are provided. Many opportunities for collaboration are available on campus and through TGI as well as at a wide array of world class institutions based in Saint Louis including the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, and with researchers at other local universities and institutes.

Responsibilities: 

• Advance the growth and elevate the profile of the Taylor Geospatial Institute: while the appointee will be a full member of the Department with the normal responsibilities of the faculty, the Institute will be a home for their research, scholarship, and intellectual production.
• Establish a robust, externally funded research program, mentoring and advising both undergraduate and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) students and supporting the service charge of the university.
• Contribute to the growth of TGI through building GIS expertise and active participation in TGI priorities.
• Advance the pedagogical mission of the Department of Biology by contributing to instruction of students in general biology courses and courses related to their discipline.

Competencies and Qualifications

Minimum qualifications: Candidates must have a doctoral degree and postdoctoral experience in industry or postdoctoral research, the ability to work and engage effectively with diverse students and faculty, a record of research productivity, and demonstrated experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Application Process

Saint Louis University has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Partner and Thomas Lapierre, Senior Associate & Certified Diversity Recruiter, are leading the search. For more information or to apply, please contact Thomas at thomas.lapierre@opuspartners.net. Applications should include a CV and cover letter that should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred competencies and qualifications.