The College of Agriculture at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT is seeking an endowed chair that will support expanded research capacity critical to grain growers across Montana and beyond.

The Winifred Asbjornson Plant Sciences Chair will develop a competitive research program that will use modern techniques in plant cell & molecular biology and genomics to address problems that pose the greatest economic threats in cereal production agriculture in Montana. The Chair position will have an advisory council made up of representatives from Montana’s crop production industry. The incumbent will be expected to be successful in a highly collaborative and collegial environment with agronomists, breeders, entomologists, and plant pathologists within and external to the College of Agriculture to address the challenges of greatest economic significance. Current examples of issues of economic importance include resistance to wheat stem sawfly, herbicide resistance in economically important weeds, and heat stress in cereals. Future examples may include control of orange wheat blossom midge and other cereal pests, the role of micronutrients in cereal health, nitrogen management in low pH soils, and improvements in winter-hardiness of fall-seeded rotational crops. The Chair will contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate students and advising in plant cell biology, molecular genetics or metabolomics, genetics/breeding and/or other areas of interest. The faculty member is expected to engage with agricultural producers and organizations in the state for sharing research results and understanding research needs. He/she will provide appropriate public, departmental and university service.

MSU was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, the College of Agriculture is an integral part of fulfilling MSU’s land grant mission serving the sons and daughters of our state. The Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through hands-on learning; to serve through campus and community engagement; to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions; and to connect Montanans with the global community.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. PhD in Cell Biology, Microbiology, Entomology, Plant Science or related field;
2. Record of publishing in refereed journals;
3. Research in cell/molecular genetics and/or metabolomic analyses relevant to crop improvement;
4. Experience in teaching and student mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Experience working with cereal crops;
2. Evidence of being successful in a highly collaborative research environment;
3. Post-doctoral and faculty experience and demonstrated productivity in basic and applied biological research using plants;
4. Excellent communication skills in technical and public communications;
5. Demonstrated skills in working with a diverse group of students, researchers, and public including agricultural producers and organizations;
6. Demonstrated application of research methods and technology to promote sustainable crop production.