Extension Assistant Professor - Sustainable Fruit & Vegetable Production

Apply now Job no:520974
Work type:Faculty Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Stockbridge Sch of Agriculture
Union: MSP
Categories:Faculty, Agriculture/Extension, College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Extension faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor.

The successful candidate will participate as a full member of the University of Massachusetts faculty in a 12-month, non-tenure track appointment. We are looking for a candidate who will develop applied research and Extension programs that will support commercial fruit and vegetable production while investigating and implementing innovative and sustainable production systems that support farm sustainability and viability.

The incumbent will develop an Extension and applied research program responsive to critical issues faced by fruit and vegetable producers in the State that include the ever-increasing limitations of water, land, and climate. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to acquire extra-mural funding to support research and Extension programs, operate well in multi-disciplinary teams, and contribute to the department/college/university and profession through service.

Instructional responsibilities may include courses in sustainable horticulture, fruit or vegetable production, or related courses in the candidate’s disciplinary area. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a relevant graduate course and seminars and participate in relevant undergraduate and graduate program committees. We share a fundamental commitment to teach and serve a diverse student body, professional practitioners, and the broader public.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned Ph.D. in horticulture, plant science, plant physiology, plant pathology, or related fields by the time of hire.
• Direct experience with fruit and/or vegetable cropping systems.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct and publish independent, original research.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills appropriate for scientific and grower constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience is desirable.
• Ability to acquire extra-mural funding to support research and Extension programs.
• Experience in Extension or public outreach.
• Ability to work with both types of cropping systems namely fruits and vegetables is highly desirable.
• Ability to teach undergraduate students and engage in public education.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, Extension specialists, industry, non-profits and/or government.

Additional Information

Expected start date of this position is March 15, 2024.

Information for prospective faculty: https://www.umass.edu/prospective-faculty/

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of research interests, (4) statement of teaching philosophy, (5) statement of Extension philosophy, (6) contact information for three professional references, (7) Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (see below), and (8) a statement of no more than 200 words responding to this prompt: "What audience and production system are you most confident addressing and how do you see yourself adapting your knowledge to benefit other audiences as well?" 

The department values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and who possess a strong commitment to contributing to the success of historically underrepresented groups. 

Review of applicants will begin November 15, 2023 and will continue until an ideal candidate is identified. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Jaime Pinero ([email protected] ).

The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarship, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion ).

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.