Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist-Weed Ecology

University of Maryland, United States

Updated: 24 days ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Number: 103646
Title: Assistant Professor
Functional Title: Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist-Weed Ecology
Category Status: 02-Faculty Non-Tenured, On Track
Applicant Search Category: Faculty
University Authorized FTE: 1.000
Unit: AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) invites applications for a 12-month tenure track Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist position, with an appointment that has 45% Extension, 50% research and 5% teaching responsibilities. The Specialist will be tenured in the PSLA Department and will provide statewide leadership to University of Maryland Extension personnel and others by investigating and developing novel sustainable weed management practices. They will serve the turfgrass and ornamental industries including nurseries; residential, commercial and public landscapes; golf courses, athletic fields, and/or sod farms. Situated between Washington, DC and the nation’s iconic Chesapeake Bay, the University of Maryland possesses unique proximity to urban, suburban, and rural environments offering diverse opportunities to develop novel research and extension projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Research:
Develop a nationally recognized, extramurally-funded weed ecology program that informs the turfgrass and ornamental industries. The person will publish results in relevant peer-reviewed journals. This program could include innovative research on sustainable methods to limit weed encroachment and reduce or eliminate herbicide use. We especially seek candidates who have strengths in one or more of the following fields: the effects of climate change on weed ecology and invasive species management, weed taxonomy, risk assessment, or mechanisms of herbicide resistance. Research should be directed towards the development of weed management strategies that are informed by ecological principles for current and emerging weeds in the turfgrass and ornamental industries.
Extension:
The candidate will meet the needs of the Maryland turfgrass and ornamental industries by developing and implementing educational programs and materials based on research-based information. Activities will include presenting information at professional and educational meetings; assisting in the coordination of existing and new educational events including an annual conference and annual field day; writing and updating Extension publications; developing training materials for pesticide recertification; conducting in-service training for Extension educators, and innovative use of social media technology. The incumbent is expected to play an active advisory role in state turfgrass and ornamental industry organizations such as the Maryland Nursery Landscape and Greenhouse Association, Maryland Turfgrass Council, Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Shore Associations of Golf Course Superintendents, Maryland Turfgrass Association, and the Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Sports Turf Managers Association. Depending on the expertise of the candidate, duties could also include representing the College on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Invasive Plant Advisory Committee and supporting the Norton-Brown Herbarium.
Teaching:
The incumbent contributes to the on-campus teaching mission by teaching one 3 credit course per year.
Additional Duties:
Faculty members are expected to serve the professional community through review of publications and participation on competitive grant panels, in national and international professional meetings, and other activities. It is also expected that this individual will participate in other duties and committees as required by the department, college, and university; and interact with organizations representing their clientele groups in the state and region.
Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks:

Faculty Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • Ph.D. in plant science or related disciplines with an emphasis in weed ecology.



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated expertise in weed science, weed or invasive species ecology, traditional and molecular plant science research techniques, or general principles of weed management.
  • Demonstrated ability to publish original research in peer-reviewed journals in addition to communication of research results in extension outlets.
Preferences:
Preferences:
  • Expertise working with weeds in turfgrass or ornamental systems
  • Experience in development or implementation of sustainable ecologically based practices for turfgrass and landscape management.
  • Experience writing grant proposals, building collaborative research projects, and strong mentoring and leadership skills.
Additional Certifications:
Additional Information:
POSITION INTRODUCTION
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track position of Assistant Professor with a 50% Research, 45% Extension and 5% Teaching appointment. The tenure home is the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park, MD. The Department conducts research, extension activities and teaches curricula focusing on Plant Biology (Turfgrass Science, Plant Pathology, Plant Biology and Landscape Management), Agriculture Science and Technology (Horticulture, Agronomy) and Landscape Architecture.
The University of Maryland, College Park, MD, is a Land Grant institution with world-class research and Extension components located in suburban Washington, DC. The 1300-acre campus has outstanding research libraries and Metrorail access to national and international research institutions, government agency and non-governmental organization headquarters, and significant cultural landmarks. There are excellent opportunities for collaboration with across departments and colleges on campus. Further, proximity to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, and Maryland’s Biotechnology Corridor offers opportunities for interaction with a range of nearby agencies and research institutions including USDA, Smithsonian Institution, EPA, NPS, and NSF. The NSF-sponsored Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center associated with campus provides potential and resources for collaborative synthetic research integrating social and environmental science. Excellent field research, greenhouse and laboratory facilities are available; and access to nearby field sites is unparalleled due to our location near myriad juxtaposed land uses, as well as to the 6,600 acres USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and multiple University of Maryland Research and Education Centers located in different ecological provinces.
In addition, the Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility, located at the edge of campus, consists of 35 acres of land on USDA property. Approximately half of the research facility has an in ground irrigation system. The facility possesses the capabilities to support nearly every aspect of turf research. The main office building contains a classroom, laboratory, conference room, and offices for faculty, graduate students, and support staff. Research support buildings include a pesticide storage building, a plant prep building and equipment storage building.
Salary will b e commensurate with experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Faculty members are expected to serve the professional community through review of publications and participation on competitive grant panels, in national and international professional meetings, and other activities. It is also expected that this individual will participate in other duties and committees as require by the department, college and
university, and interact with educational organizations representing their field in the state and region.
Application Process:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. When applying, please submit a cover letter; resume; copy of unofficial transcripts; and name and email address of 3 professional references. Position is Open Until Filled. For best consideration, apply by January 31, 2023.
Questions may be sent to Dr. Mark Carroll, Faculty Search Chair at [email protected] .
Posting Date: 12/16/2022
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 10/01/2023
Physical Demands
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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