Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professor (NTT) or Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (Tenured/Tenure-Track)

The Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) and the School of Natural Resources (SNR) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU) seek an Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professor or Assistant/Associate/Full Professor and State Extension Specialist in soil testing and interpretation, who will also serve as the Director of the Soil Testing Facilities at MU. Dependent on the candidate´s qualifications and expectations, a tenure track or non-tenure track position is available. The position is a joint appointment in DPST (70%) and SNR (30%) and is located at MU’s main campus in Columbia, MO.

Responsibilities : We seek a visionary leader to integrate and elevate the research and extension mission of the existing soil testing facilities at MU by expanding and enhancing soil and plant testing for a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable Missouri agriculture. The successful candidate will serve as the head of the Soil and Plant Testing Facilities at MU which includes primarily the Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory (https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/soil-and-plant-testing-laboratory ), and the Soil Health Assessment Center (https://soilhealth.missouri.edu/ ). These facilities provide unbiased soil and plant testing services and recommendations to row crop and forage farmers, vegetable and fruit growers, turf operations, homeowners, scientists, and other field and landscape specialists across the state of Missouri. Recommendations from these laboratories are based on basic and applied research conducted by university faculty. The successful candidate will establish close interactions and collaborations with plant and soil scientists at MU, and other soil/plant testing laboratories and Universities in Missouri and the U.S. The main responsibilities for the position include leadership on the development and design of soil health and soil fertility recommendations; management of both laboratories, including planning and coordination, personnel, quality control, and fiscal management; and conduct research to support soil testing and interpretation for MU´s soil testing laboratories. The successful candidate will maintain a close collaboration with the soil testing laboratory at the Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center and unify the laboratory processes from sample submission to producer recommendations. A robust, innovative extension program expanding the impact of soil testing for answering clientele questions about nutrient management and soil health is critical. A background in soil science and soil health is expected. The successful candidate will disseminate results to the scientific community via refereed journal articles and will provide recommendations to producers, homeowners, industry, agencies via the innovative use of web tools and applications, extension presentations, and social media. Ability to secure extramural funding is required. Collaboration with public and private researchers, farmers, agencies, and extension specialists within Missouri and other states is expected.

Minimum Qualifications : Ph.D. in Soil Science or a related field at the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on : Relevant postdoctoral experience. Experience in soil and plant testing methods and technologies.. Excellent oral skills to communicate with farmers and other commodity stakeholders and the ability to work well in a collaborative team.  Ability to secure funding, experience developing web applications, knowledge about nutrient management and soil health in agricultural settings, and proven experience in data analysis, and writing (e.g., scientific and extension publications).

Application Procedure : Please submit a resume with a list of recent publications, a cover letter in which the experiences and the suitability for the advertised position is clearly described, academic transcripts, and the contact information for at least 3 references. Applications should be submitted at the following website: ( http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/index.php ) , Job ID 51057.

Contact : Questions pertaining to the job may be directed to Dr. John Lory ([email protected]), Chair of the Search Committee at University of Missouri. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or [email protected].

Review of applications will begin on April 15, 2024, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Information about the Program, Campus, and Community: The Division of Plant Science and Technology and the School of Natural Resources both include a diverse group with more than 50 faculty, including a strong agriculture extension program that works with dozens of agronomic and horticulture extension specialists located across the state.  The University of Missouri campus is in Columbia, MO, a vibrant and growing college town of over 120,000 with a high quality of life and relatively low cost of living. Columbia is located in central Missouri, half-way between Kansas City and St. Louis, about two hours from each of those metropolitan areas. Missouri is a state with both a strong agriculture base and abundant natural areas for recreation and enjoyment. Learn more about Columbia and Missouri at https://www.visitcolumbiamo.com .

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits . 

Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.
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