Assistant Professor of Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition

This is a tenure-track position in the School of Natural Resources (http://www.snr.missouri.edu ) with collaboration in the Division of Plant Science and Technology at the University of Missouri (MU). The successful candidate will develop an exciting and high-impact, nationally/internationally recognized, externally-funded research program that complements institutional strengths in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and precision agriculture. With this position, MU will better occupy a place among a select group of universities that boast a truly integrated and multidisciplinary approach to teaching, research, and actionable scholarship in the fields of soil fertility, precision agriculture, and sustainable agriculture. The position will strengthen growing education programs, collaborate with other established MU research centers to garner major grants, form innovative new partnerships with private and public partners, and contribute greatly toward improving grant and publication metrics considered in the Association of American Universities’ (AAU) rankings. Teaching may include undergraduate courses in soil fertility and plant nutrition and soils and the environment, and graduate courses related to the individual’s expertise (total of 3-4 courses per year). This position will complement and collaborate with faculty in: the School of Natural Resources and the Division of Plant Science and Technology; the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and its divisions, including Biochemistry; other colleges and departments across the MU campus (e.g., Biology, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Geology).  Collaborative efforts will also develop through participation in the Missouri Water Center, MU Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center, MU Soil Health Assessment Center, MU Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory, MU Center for Agroforestry, the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) and with federal scientists employed by the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit and U.S. Forest Service Unit housed on the MU campus.

Starting Date: August 2024, or as negotiated

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Soil Science or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: a strong background in soil fertility and plants sciences or agronomy; demonstrated abilities in the measurement and development of soil health indicators; experience with analytical procedures to model nutrient cycling in agroecosystems; postdoctoral experience; a strong record of impactful peer-reviewed publications; teaching experience; and a level of grantsmanship that reflects high productivity relative to the applicant’s career stage. The area of expertise should complement existing institutional strengths in contemporary soil and environmental sciences. The candidate should have a demonstrated interest in working with state and federal agencies and other private and public stakeholders.

To apply for this position, please visit the MU web site at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ - Job ID 50959. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, narrative of teaching philosophy (approximately 2 pages), narrative of current and future research interests (approximately 2 pages), a values statement (https://missouri.edu/mission-values ), and the names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin on 01 June 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Morgan Davis, Chair of Search Committee, ([email protected] ).

About MU: MU, the flagship institution in the University of Missouri System, has nearly 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is a land grant institution and a member of the Association of American Universities.  Located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a vibrant small city that is consistently ranked among the top such places to live in across America. The School of Natural Resources awards Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Natural Resources with emphases in multiple sub-disciplines and three B.S. degrees (Environmental Sciences; Natural Resources Science and Management; and Parks, Recreation and Sport). Detailed information about the programs and faculty is available at http://snr.missouri.edu . The School operates many laboratory and greenhouse facilities and has access to extensive field areas available within CAFNR’s Farms and Centers Network ( http://cafnr.missouri.edu/ ). The School has robust collaborative ties to state and federal agencies charged with managing natural resources and numerous opportunities are available to access and conduct research on the extensive and diverse public lands surrounding Columbia.

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 573-882-7976.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.