Assistant/Associate Professor Mycology/Plant Pathology

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Job Title:
Assistant/Associate Professor Mycology/Plant Pathology

Department:
FAES | Plant Pathology

Position Description

Our aim is to recruit, support, and retain a scholar who will develop a strong, interdisciplinary, nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program focused on fungi and/or oomycetes that interact with plants. To that end, we encourage applications from scholars whose research interests and experience may include, but are not limited to, the evolution of fungicide resistance, molecular plant-microbe interactions, population genomics, metagenomics, functional genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics of fungal and/or oomycete pathogens. Programs that use emerging computational and data-analytic approaches are highly desirable. The incumbent will be expected to seek both internal and external research support funds and training grants from government, industry, and other appropriate sources. The incumbent will become an integral part of the Department of Plant Pathology academic program and interact with and enhance a strong mycology community at Ohio State in support of the new undergraduate Minor in Mycology by developing or participating in courses as appropriate. The incumbent will teach/co-teach a course in Plant Pathogenic Fungi and associated laboratory, and develop a mycology-themed course of broad interest to diverse undergraduate students. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with diverse life experiences and whose scholarship demonstrates a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, advising, and training. We invite the incumbent to use OSU’s extensive network and properties in their research and teaching program. For instance, opportunities exist to engage with the Infectious Disease Institute, the Center of Microbiome Science, and the Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning, among others.

Performance Objectives

Teach 2-3 courses per year, primarily Plant Pathogenic Fungi Lecture and Lab (PLNTPTH 5050 and PLNTPTH 6050), and a mycology themed course of broad interest to diverse undergraduate students. Demonstrate an ability to cultivate learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds, and commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion within Plant Pathology and related professions. Develop and/or expand an independent research program in plant-associated molecular mycology, including presenting research results at national and international meetings, securing extramural funding, and producing impactful publications. Advise graduate and undergraduate students, including Ph.D. and MS students in Plant Pathology, professional Master in Plant Health Management students, and undergraduate students in a variety of majors, including honors students. Work collaboratively with university faculty and staff, Department of Plant Pathology and/or OSU extension, government agencies, non-government organizations, and/or community groups to advance the land grant mission of the college and university. Serve the Department of Plant Pathology, university, and professional communities through committee work and other appropriate responsibilities and activities.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required :

• Earned Ph.D. in mycology, plant pathology, or other relevant area of biological science.
• Demonstrated experience conducting basic, applied and/or translational research in contemporary areas of fungal and/or oomycete biology or plant-fungus and/or oomycete interactions.
• Evidence of excellent publication record commensurate with career level.
• Evidence of potential for excellence in research and teaching.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a willingness and ability to work closely with diverse groups of academic (e.g., students, staff, faculty) and practitioner audiences.

Desired :

• Grant writing experience
• Postdoctoral experience
• Demonstrated interest in and/or experience with teaching, recruiting, mentoring, and advising diverse underserved students, including women, students of color, first generation, and non-traditional students.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday Application materials must include:

Required:

• Cover letter
• Describe your qualifications, areas of expertise, career goals, and alignment with desired qualifications and preferred qualifications where applicable.
• Curriculum Vita (CV)
• Statement of Research that addresses the candidate’s interests and vision (3-page limit)
• Statement of Teaching and Mentoring that addresses the candidate’s plan for teaching and advising (2-page limit)
• Names of three references/Three letters of reference

Initial consideration will be given to applications received by August 15, 2024. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled. We welcome informal inquiries, which can be made by contacting Search Committee Chair, Dr. Francesca Hand, at [email protected]  

Department Information

The Department of Plant Pathology consists of faculty, postdoctoral scientists, students, and staff based on two Ohio State campuses, Columbus and Wooster. Faculty members conduct and lead nationally and internationally recognized research, extension, education, and development programs in fulfillment of the university’s Land Grant mission. We offer B.S. degree programs in Plant Pathology, M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in Plant Pathology, as well as a professional master’s program in Plant Health Management (MPHM). Specializations of the faculty range from genomics and molecular biology to quantitative epidemiology and disease management. We are committed to enhancing an already excellent team of diverse faculty, students, and staff, and promoting positive and inclusive work environments for all individuals. Additional information is available on the department’s website, plantpath.osu.edu.

The College

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) anchors its mission in a simple, yet powerful phrase: We Sustain Life . Faculty, staff and students alike contribute to this mission in a variety of ways. Our Strategic Alignment outlines the colleges values: Land-Grant Scholarship; Lifespan Learning; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Integrity and Accountability; and Permeable Borders. These values, which align with the university’s Shared Values , shape our goals of our Strategic Alignment. We are committed to scholarship across three mission areas (teaching, research, Extension) with a commitment to serving our state in addition to the country and world. As a land grant, we are part of a cooperative structure that includes key partners all dedicated to integrating research, education, and Extension to improve the food and agricultural sectors, the environment, and the quality of people’s lives. We educate not just undergraduate and graduate students but learners across the lifespan. We work to ensure groundbreaking scientific discoveries are brought out of the laboratory and into the hands of those who can put them to work.

CFAES houses 11 departments/schools with over 20 undergraduate majors and 9 graduate programs , including 3 interdisciplinary programs affiliated with multiple Ohio State colleges. We also administer OSU Extension , which provides robust and relevant programming to Ohioans and beyond in the areas of Agriculture and Natural Resources , 4-H Youth Development , Family and Consumer Sciences , and Community Development . We are one college spanning three campuses: Columbus, CFAES Wooster, and Statewide. Our CFAES Wooster campus includes a large research station and Ohio State’s only two-year academic unit, Ohio State ATI . The Statewide campus includes 11 research stations and Extension offices in all of Ohio’s 88 counties. Our At a Glance provides additional information regarding our size, capacity, and impact as a college.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes ’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values  include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University. 

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) .

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here . In addition to  its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to CFAES Wooster Campus , which houses Ohio State ATI . 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.

Additional Information:

Location:
Kottman Hall (0340)

Position Type:
Regular

Scheduled Hours:
40

Shift:
First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.

Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the Equal Employment Identification form.