Skip to main content

This job has expired

Assistant Professor and Plant Virologist / Plant Pathologist

Employer
University of Minnesota
Location
Saint Paul, Minnesota, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 26, 2022

View more

Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Informatics / GIS
Discipline
Grant Writing
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Apply for JobJob ID347155 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyAcademic Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9403 Employee ClassInstr Fac/TC and Coord Cmp Add to Favorite JobsEmail this Job

About the Job

Position Overview
The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota seeks outstanding applicants for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in the area of plant virology. This is a 9-month (academic year), tenure-track faculty position with research, teaching and service responsibilities (50% research and 50% teaching).

Responsibilities
Research:

* The successful candidate will conduct basic, applied and translational research on plant viruses causing plant diseases of field crops, trees or horticultural crops.
* The primary research emphasis of this position will be on viruses causing plant diseases important to Minnesota and the region or internationally.
* The successful individual will use contemporary and traditional research approaches to explore research topics such as pathogenesis, viral-plant interactions, viral disease management, viral evolution, functional genomics or proteomics, viral diagnostics, virus diversity, virus-insect interactions, or identification and characterization of viruses.
* The incumbent will be expected to develop robust extramural support for their research program and to incorporate undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers.
* The successful candidate will have access to outstanding research and teaching facilities at the University of Minnesota and the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and staff with diverse biological expertise.

Teaching:
* The successful candidate will be committed to teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels.
* A 50% teaching assignment equates to an expectation of 6 student credit hours per year, on average.
* Teaching responsibilities include a course in plant virology that is essential for the graduate program in plant pathology, and developing a course that aligns with the interests of non-major undergraduate students.
* The successful individual will also be expected to mentor and advise graduate and undergraduate students and post-doctoral researchers.

Salary/Benefits:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary will be supplemented with 9 weeks of summer salary for the first three (3) years of the appointment to help establish research and teaching programs. Thereafter, the 9-month salary can be supplemented through research and/or educational grants.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
* Competitive wages, paid holidays
* Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
* Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
* Excellent retirement plans with generous employer contribution and immediate vesting

* Employer paid disability and life insurance
* Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
* Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75% of eligible tuition
* Opportunities for sabbaticals and other professional leaves
* Opportunities for growth and promotion
* Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
* Ph.D. in plant pathology, plant virology, plant sciences, microbiology, or relevant biological discipline.
* Proven ability to conduct innovative, original research in plant virology.
* A publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
* Demonstrated commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
* Excellent communication skills.
* Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other researchers.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred.
* Grant writing experience.
* Expertise using the latest genomic, molecular and/or biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches to viral research and virus detection.
* Expertise with electron microscopy and other traditional virology techniques.
Demonstrated teaching and mentoring experience at the university-level.
* Willingness to work with and assist stakeholders (producers, etc.) and UMN Plant Disease Clinic on important plant viral diagnostic needs as they arise

About the Department

Department Overview
Since 1907 the Department of Plant Pathology has had a strong and positive impact on plant health, agricultural development, and ecosystem vitality on local, national, and international scales.

Ongoing collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts in basic and applied research have enabled the faculty in the Department of Plant Pathology to build a strong foundation of science in teaching, research, and extension. Faculty in the Department are nationally and internationally recognized for conducting research in genetics of disease resistance at the molecular, cellular, and whole plant levels; genomics/bioinformatics of plant-microbe interactions; plant disease management; microbial ecology related to plant health and disease; biological control; population genetics; fungal biology and genomics; plant virology; bacteriology; nematology; forest health; wood deterioration; high throughput phenotyping; and global climate change. Exemplary education, based on research, is a departmental priority and faculty offer a rich and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and graduate courses, serving students within the Department and across the College and University through in-person and online delivery. The Department's strong graduate program delivers excellence in teaching, research, and mentoring that provides an enriching graduate experience. Graduates move on to careers in agriculture and related industries, public agencies, academia, and private consulting. The Department has access to state-of-the-art facilities including plant growth facilities with classrooms, greenhouses, and a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) plant pathology quarantine greenhouse and laboratory, along with adjacent research plots that support both conventional and organic production systems. Other resources include the Minnesota Supercomputer Institute and Biodale that provides state-of-the art genomic, imaging, and mass-spectrometry facilities. Ten unique research and outreach centers throughout Minnesota enhance the Department's research infrastructure. Adjunct faculty from the USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, and Plant Science Research Unit, located on campus, support the mission of the Department. A dedicated and professional team supports the Department's administrative, financial, and communication functions.

College Overview
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 13 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. CFANS offers thirteen undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and 23 minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing 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.

How To Apply

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online http://employment.umn.edu/ (search for Job Opening ID [Click here and type the job opening ID]). Candidates should include all of the required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required application materials:
* Curriculum Vitae
* 1 - 2 page Research Statement
* 1 -2 page Teaching Statement
  • [both research and teaching statements should highlight accomplishments, experience and interests]

* Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references that will be contacted if you are deemed a final candidate
* Diversity Statement (please see instructions below)

For questions regarding this position, please contact search committee chair, Dean Malvick (dmalvick@umn.edu).

**Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials)** Applicants are required to submit a diversity statement for this position. CFANS values and is actively invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all of our academic programs. Please review the CFANS definition of diversity and the DEI strategic plan for the college.
Please provide a diversity statement that details your professional experiences in DEI.

Experiences may include:
* Working with diverse communities or local organizations
* Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curriculum
* Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your research
* Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Initial review of applicants will begin May 16, 2022. This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert