TITLE: Assistant Professor

Institution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Summary of Job Duties:

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville invites applications to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position (80% research, 20% teaching) with an emphasis on host-pathogen interactions. The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is a land-grant institution and the flagship university of the University of Arkansas System.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a robust, extramurally funded research program focused on fundamental and/or applied aspects of plant-pathogen interactions. Areas of research specialization could include a broad set of experimental approaches to study host-pathogen interaction. These could include, but are not limited to, functional genomics, conventional and molecular genetics, biocontrol, physiology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and disease management. Preferred applicants will focus on host-pathogen interactions in commodities of importance to Arkansas agriculture. However, research specialization is not limited to a specific commodity or category of plant pathogens.

The candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence in grantsmanship, present research results in peer-reviewed publications, and teach graduate and undergraduate level courses in plant-pathogen interactions and other areas of expertise. The incumbent will advise and mentor graduate students, provide service to the department, college, university and state as appropriate for their expertise, and collaborate effectively with departmental research and extension faculty, and colleagues in related disciplines.

The position is located at the University of Arkansas main campus in Fayetteville, located in the Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas. Fayetteville consistently ranks as one of the best college towns in the U.S.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in plant pathology or a related field is required, with expertise in pathogens and diseases impacting crop plant systems. Ph.D. must be conferred by the date of hire. Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to conduct independent and collaborative research are required.

Preferred Qualifications

Postdoctoral experience in a land-grant institution is strongly preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across disciplines in the fields of plant pathology, disease management, data analytics, and epidemiology.

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Curriculum Vitae
List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)
Statement of Research Philosophy
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested candidates must submit an online application in Workday and include: 1) a cover letter; 2) statement of research interests; 3) statement of teaching philosophy and interests; 4) curriculum vitae; 5) names and addresses of three professional references; and; 6) unofficial transcript(s). Potential candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Joanna Kud (jkud@uark.edu) with questions about the position.

Recruitment Contact Information:

Dr. Joanna Kud, jkud@uark.edu

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.

The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.

Required checks are identified in the position listing.

A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.

Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Additional Information:

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.