Assistant Professor in Weed Science

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 14 Feb 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Assistant Professor in Weed Science
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work?
Posting Number 202100434F
Proposed Annual Salary Range $85,000 to $95,000 plus benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and  https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Position Type Faculty
Work Hours/Week 40
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Agricultural Biology is committed to excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge about insects, plant pathogens, and weeds. The Department encompasses the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and weed science – thus providing unique opportunities to address critical issues that cut across disciplines. Agricultural Biology focuses its teaching, research and outreach missions in four program areas: 1) Genomics and Molecular Biology, 2) Ecology and Biodiversity, 3) Biology and Management of Invasive Species, and 4) Integrated Pest Management. Being interdisciplinary in nature, Agricultural Biology values cooperative and collaborative efforts with departmental teams, other research teams in the University, public stakeholders (e.g., public land agencies, crop grower associations, private landowners), and industry partners. The weed science group in the Department of Agricultural Biology at CSU is a cross-disciplinary program including biochemistry, physiology, genomics, molecular genetics, Agri-Tech, integrated weed management, microbiomes, data science, and soil health (weedscience.agsci.colostate.edu ). 
As a land grant University and as nationally recognized innovators, we are committed to the foundational principles of diversity and inclusion. We recognize that our institutional success depends on how well we welcome, value, and affirm all members of the Colorado State community and how we represent diverse perspectives in our teaching, research, and service throughout all disciplines. Diversity and inclusion resources at CSU include The Institute for Learning and Teaching (https://tilt.colostate.edu ), Principles of Community (I), and the Office of Inclusive Excellence (inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu). 
Colorado State University is a land-grant Carnegie Class Doctoral/Research-Extensive University. In the last decade, CSU has produced record enrollment, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success; record fundraising far outpacing ambitious goals; groundbreaking research driven by a highly productive faculty; a campus revitalized by a transformational building campaign; and, perhaps most important, an unrivaled learning environment where nine of 10 recent graduates say they would choose CSU again and rate their education as excellent. CSU is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and is situated on nearly 5,000 acres of land, including the main campus, a foothills campus, the Agricultural Research Development & Education Center (ARDEC), and a mountain campus. The CSU Weed Research Laboratory maintains high quality labs, equipment, a new conference room, and greenhouse space for high level basic and applied research along with public outreach and engagement. The weed science program maintains strong ties and collaborative networks with the citizens of the state. Colorado State University research and Cooperative Extension faculty also conduct programs at several off-campus research centers throughout the state. Read more about the university at the CSU Undergraduate Admissions Page at http://admissions.colostate.edu .
Fort Collins is located next to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains about 65 miles north of Denver, nestled along the Cache La Poudre River, the first river in Colorado to be designated a National “Wild and Scenic River.” Fort Collins has a population of over 165,000 and is ranked among the most educated and healthiest cities in the nation. This ranking reflects the highly educated workforce, drawn to Fort Collins by the strong academic environment and the clean and sustainable industries that thrive in the community. The city of Fort Collins is consistently ranked as one of the “Best Places to Live in America,” with nearly 50 similar designations from numerous magazines and polls since 2005 (see: http://www.fcgov.com/visitor/fcfacts.php ). A 2010 Gallup Poll ranked Fort Collins as the third best city in the nation for overall well-being. The city of Fort Collins boasts an outstanding public school system and a multitude of cultural activities, including a center for performing arts, a symphony orchestra, repertory theaters, choral society, and a dance company. The historic Old Town district of Fort Collins hosts live music and thriving local dining scene throughout the year. The city maintains several indoor pools, indoor soccer fields, ice arenas, over 600 acres of parks, 30,000 acres of natural areas, and over 20 miles of pedestrian, biking, and hiking trails.
Tenure/Tenure Track? Yes
% Research 65
% Teaching 20
% Service 15
% Administration 0
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 02/14/2022
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 06/01/2022
Position End Date
Position Summary
The Department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks dynamic and highly motivated candidates for a full-time 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor faculty position in Weed Science. This position is a 65% research, 20% teaching, and 15% extension and service appointment. Candidates are sought with the vision and expertise to lead an innovative research program that advances integrated weed management and incorporates state-of-the-art technologies in weed management.  The selected candidate is expected to build a statewide and nationally recognized extramurally funded research program relevant to the management of weeds and invasive plants in Colorado’s diverse natural and/or managed systems. The selected candidate is expected to obtain extramural funding to support research, mentor graduate students, communicate research results at professional meetings, and publish in refereed journals. Engagement with colleagues within the Department of Agricultural Biology and other departments at Colorado State University is expected.  The selected candidate will teach an undergraduate course in introductory weed science (BSPM 308) to students from multiple academic programs, including natural resources, agricultural biology, soil and crop science, and horticulture. Additionally, the candidate will mentor graduate students and post-doctoral scientists in weed science; participate in undergraduate advising and recruiting; and contribute to graduate and undergraduate teaching needs in the discipline/department.  The selected candidate will conduct extension activities by translating research for stakeholders. Example opportunities include serving as the academic representative on the Colorado state noxious weed advisory committee and serving as the Colorado IR-4 representative.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Required Job Qualifications
  • A Ph.D. in weed science or closely related field awarded prior to the position start date
  • A strong record of scholarly/professional achievement commensurate with experience
  • Evidence of innovation in approaches used in weed science, such as successful integration of digital agriculture methods (e.g., remote sensing, mapping, artificial intelligence), plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics/genomics, and/or field-based research methods to study biology, ecology, impacts, and management of weeds)
  • Demonstrated potential to advance the department and University commitments to diversity and inclusion through research and teaching, and service
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Effective communication skills, with an emphasis on presenting and disseminating research information to a range of audiences
  • Post-doctoral experience
  • Demonstrated potential for excellence in effective and inclusive teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students
  • Evidence of clear potential or previous success in extension to public and private sector stakeholders
  • Evidence of clear potential or previous success in contributing to the profession and department through service.
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, please apply by February 14, 2022. The preferred start date is June 1, 2022.
Interested individuals must submit the following application materials online: 
  • Cover letter addressing required and preferred job qualifications; 
  • Curriculum vitae; 
  • A statement that describes your research background and vision for the position (two pages maximum), 
  • A statement that describes your perspectives on diversity and inclusive excellence (one-page maximum); 
  • A statement of teaching experience and vision to deliver undergraduate weed science to a diverse student population (two pages maximum); 
  • A list of three professional references whom we may contact by phone at a future date. 


    • References will not be contacted without prior notification to a candidate. Transcripts may be requested at the finalist stage for degree verification. Interested candidates may contact the Search Committee Chair Todd Gaines ([email protected]) for questions about the search process. 
    Background Check Policy Statement
    Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
    EEO Statement
    Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
    The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
    The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
    Diversity Statement
    Personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by involvement in teaching, research, creative activity, service to the profession and/or diversity/inclusion activities.
    Search Contact [email protected]

    Essential Duties


    Job Duty Category Research
    Duty/Responsibility
    Lead an innovative research program that advances integrated weed management and incorporates state-of-the-art technologies in weed management. The selected candidate is expected to build a statewide and nationally recognized extramurally funded research program relevant to the management of weeds and invasive plants in Colorado’s diverse natural and/or managed systems. The selected candidate is expected to obtain extramural funding to support research, mentor graduate students, communicate research results at professional meetings, and publish in refereed journals. Engagement with colleagues within the Department of Agricultural Biology and other departments at Colorado State University is expected.   
    Percentage Of Time 65%
    Job Duty Category Teaching
    Duty/Responsibility
    The selected candidate will teach an undergraduate course in introductory weed science (BSPM 308) to students from multiple academic programs, including natural resources, agricultural biology, soil and crop science, and horticulture. Additionally, the candidate will mentor graduate students and post-doctoral scientists in weed science; participate in undergraduate advising and recruiting; and contribute to graduate and undergraduate teaching needs in the discipline/department. 
    Percentage Of Time 20%
    Job Duty Category Service
    Duty/Responsibility
    Contribute to service on departmental, college, and university level committees. Provide professional and public service. The selected candidate will conduct extension activities by translating research for stakeholders such as serving as the academic representative on the Colorado state noxious weed advisory committee and serving as the Colorado IR-4 representative. 
    Percentage Of Time 15%

    Similar Positions