Job Positions
Several job positions are available for B.S. , M.S. and Ph.D. students
Position: Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, Soil Science. Half-Time.
Qualifications: B.S. or M.S. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Ecology, Natural Resources
or a related discipline.Demonstrated excellence in course work, good written and oral
communication skills, and ability to work as a team member are required. Interest
in pursuing a career in soil science preferred.
Employer:Kansas State University, Department of Agronomy, Manhattan.
Duties/Responsibilities: Assist with teaching in the soil science area, principally
in the lab sections for introductory soils. Pursue and complete an advanced degree
in a sub-discipline of soil science. Applicants can select from numerous research
programs within the department.
Salary: Annual stipend is $17,262 for M.S. candidate and $19,485 for Ph.D., with health
insurance and other benefits available.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Contact: Dr. Steve Thien, sjthien@ksu.edu.
Position: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Innovative Extraction Research.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering or a related field at the time of
appointment with reasonable publication records. Suitable research backgrounds may
include any combinations of the following: heat and mass transfer, solvent extraction,
modeling and simulation, RF heating, dielectric properties, HPLC, and PEF treatment.
Employer: University of Saskatchewan, Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering.
Duties/Responsibilities: Job expectations include experimental and theoretical research
to develop efficient extraction process/unit with the combination of Radio Frequency
and Pulsed Electric Field, and active publication. The position will be for a maximum
of three years with special emphasis on extraction of nutraceutical and pharmaceuticals.
Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until 15 December 2007 or until
a suitable candidate is found.
Contact: Dr. Oon-Doo Baik, oon-doo.baik@usask.ca.
Position: Assistant/Associate Professor, Extension Soil Management, #SP519297.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, or a related
discipline with an emphasis in Soil Nutrient Management, Soil Chemistry, or Soils
and the environment. Sound education and training plus demonstrated experience in
understanding nutrient behavior in soils, the interaction of waste materials with
soils, and the ability to communicate effectively with extension and research colleagues
and clientele. Previous extension experience is an asset. Women and minorities are
encouraged to apply.
Employer: University of Kentucky, Department of Plant & Soil Sciences, Kentucky Research
and Education Center, Princeton.
Duties/Responsibilities: Extension (75%) and Research (25%) responsibilities. The
appointee will be expected to provide statewide leadership on issues and policies
relating to soils and their management in agricultural systems. Duties include: (1)
development of comprehensive soils training programs for county agents, producers,
agribusiness, and partner agencies, (2) communication with citizens, public officials,
and others on soil and nutrient management impacts on the environment, (3) dissemination
of up-to-date production technology in collaboration with present extension and research
faculty, (4) providing expertise in the diagnosis of plant growth and environmental
problems with potential soil causes, (5) maintaining close cooperation and collaboration
with the USDA/ARS Animal Waste Management Research unit at Bowling Green, the Kentucky
Department of Agriculture, and other university and government groups, and (6) conducting
on-farm field trials. While this position has the potential and freedom to work in
broad areas associated with soil management, there is a pressing need for attention
to integrated crop production and environmental issues surrounding the application
of animal manures, biosolids, and other materials to soil. Therefore, initially, the
appointee will be expected to provide statewide leadership on issues and policies
relating to soils and nutrient management in agricultural systems with a strong emphasis
on management of waste materials including animal manures, biosolids, and other materials.
It is expected that the appointee will develop an applied research program to address
soil related agricultural and environmental concerns identified by clientele and to
develop both extension and referred journal publications based on applied research
efforts. The appointee is also expected to secure extramural funding to support their
extension and research programs.
Salary: Competitive with other leading land grant universities.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin 07 January 2008, but will
be accepted until a suitable applicant is selected.
Contact: Dr. Michael Barrett, mbarrett@uky.edu.
Position: Assistant Professor, Sports Turfgrass Management.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in turfgrass, classroom and teaching experience at the university
level. Academic experience in turfgrass pathology, entomology, fertility, weed control,
physiology, and experience in field plot and laboratory techniques. Effective English
oral and written communication skill, demonstrated interpersonal skills and success
in conducting, analyzing and publishing research results, and a demonstrated ability
to work effectively with clientele groups, colleagues, and scientists. Preferred qualifications
include experience and success in grant writing.
Employer: North Dakota State University, Department of Plant Sciences, Fargo.
Duties/Responsibilities: 80% Teaching and 20% Research. Responsibilities include teaching
and advising students in the Sports and Urban turfgrass Management Program, greenhouse
and field research, collaborating with other members in the Department, and other
disciplines as necessary. Teaching responsibilities will include developing and teaching
new courses in Integrated Pest Management in Turfgrass, Advanced Topics in Turf Science,
and Functional and Ornamental Grasses. Support of and participation in department
seminars and other courses when requested is expected. Research will focus on management
of turfgrass related areas, responding to the needs of the regional golf courses and
athletic field managers. This will include, but not limited to pest management and
maximizing turfgrass health.
Salary: Competitive.
Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin immediately after the closing
date of 07 January 2008 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Contact: Dr. Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, H.Hatterman.valenti@ndsu.edu.
Position: Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Science.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Crop Science or a related field
with an emphasis in and evidence of scholarly works. Excellent communication, computer,
and interpersonal skills are needed. The individual will be expected to work with
the turfgrass industry.
Employer: Oklahoma State University, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture,
Stillwater.
Duties/Responsibilities: Extension: The incumbent will develop and deliver educational
programming that addresses critical turfgrass performance issues as they relate to
water utilization, quality, irrigation application technologies and related environmental
issues. Priorities will include development of educational materials to aid in selection,
use and management of turfgrass/landscape plant materials with improved drought tolerance
and water use efficiency. Additionally, the individual will foster development of
a certified irrigation technician program for the turfgrass, horticulture and landscape
industries. This person will be expected to interact directly with horticulture industry
organizations, county educators, area and state specialists, as well as Oklahoma Department
of Agriculturel, Food and Forestry personnel. Participation in departmental and industry
sponsored conferences, workshops, and support-related extension programming to the
turfgrass and landscape horticulture industries is expected. Research: The incumbent's
research will focus on identification of turfgrasses and possibly other landscape
materials with suitable performance under conditions of limited water use. Additionally,
the research should foster sustainable turfgrass/landscape management. Specific emphasis
will be on water related issues including screening of commercially available material
and OSU breeding lines for drought tolerance and improved water use efficience, and
salinity tolerance. Research on water application and delivery techniques with improved
efficiency aiding in conservation will be addressed. Development of best management
practices resulting in improved water conservation and reducing subsequent environmental
impacts will be a long-term goal. Research should contribute to the department's comprehensive
Integrated Environmental Research and Education Site (IERES) efforts. The incumbent
will recruit, advise, and mentor graduate students. The faculty member would participate
in graduate education, chair graduate committees, and supervise thesis and dissertation
efforts. Opportunities for collaboration with existing turfgrass faculty are excellent.
Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.
Application Deadline: Review of applicants will begin on 15 January 2008 and continue
until a suitable candidate is found.
Contact: Dr. Greg Bell, greg.bell@okstate.edu.
Position: Assistant Professor, Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, or closely related area, with a strong
background in soil fertility. Field research experience with soil fertility and nutrient
management and a thorough knowledge of cropping systems. Excellent oral and written
communication skills in English. Ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences
using various media. Strong leadership skills, willingness to work as a part of an
interdisciplinary team with people from various backgrounds, and a strong commitment
to fostering diversity in the department. Desirable: Courses, training, and/or experience
in the use of animal wastes and other organic sources of nutrients, development of
nutrient management plans, soil chemistry, environmental quality, hydrology, statistics
and experimental design, and computer applications. Experience in extension and research
and securing extramural funding. Knowledge of U.S. livestock production practices.
Employer: Kansas State University, Department of Agronomy, Manhattan.
Duties/Responsibilities: Plan, deliver, and evaluate extension education programs
and conduct applied research with emphasis on soil fertility and nutrient management
in cropping systems and preserving/improving the quality of Kansas soil and water
resources. Interact as a member of a multi-disciplinary team developing appropriate,
environmentally sound nutrient management programs utilizing fertilizer, animal waste,
crop residues, and other organic by-products. Coordinate extension educational programs
on soil fertility, nutrient management, and waste management with extension specialists,
county agents, farm and commodity organizations, agricultural industry, and state
and federal agencies. Provide leadership in developing education offerings to meet
continuing education needs of extension agents, Certified Crop Advisors, and industry
and agency employees. Develop a complimentary applied research program, train graduate
students, and publish results in refereed journals. Secure grant funding for extension/research
projects in soil fertility/nutrient management. Travel as necessary to carry out extension
and research responsibilities.
Salary: Commensurate with training and experience.
Application Deadline: 15 March 2008 or until a suitable applicant is selected.
Contact: Dr. Daniel Devlin, ddevlin@ksu.edu.
Position: Post Doctoral Associate.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Geology, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or a related
field. Background in aquifer properties and/or hydrogeology is preferred. Knowledge
of fate and transport of groundwater contaminants with emphasis on biologically induced
chemical transformations is essential. Proficiency in Fortran, Access, Excel and MT3D/MODFLOW
is highly preferred.
Employer: University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Lincoln.
Duties/Responsibilities: Modeling aquifer data and verifying earlier generated spreadsheet
data will be a major portion of the duties of this position. Duties will also include
collection of selected field data at fuel-release sites with emphasis on very shallow
groundwater quality and molecular transformations in the capillary fringe. The successful
candidate may also be involved in novel remedial design of active contamination sites.
The incumbent is expected to publish in referred scientific journals, present research
findings at scientific meetings, and assist in drafting nationally competitive grant
proposals. The successful candidate will be expected to interact as a member of an
interdisciplinary research team.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Deadline: 24 September 2007 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Contact: Dr. Roy Spalding, rspalding1@unl.edu.
Position: Soybean Extension Specialist.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Crop Science, Agronomy or related sciences. Research and
Extension experience in soybean production systems is desirable, but not required.
A strong interest in production agriculture and an understanding of challenges and
opportunities facing farmers, crop input suppliers, and crop utilization industries
are essential. The candidate must be an effective written and verbal communicator
with the ability to deliver timely, valid and appropriate crop-specific information
via modern technologies to diverse audiences. Interest and/or experience in international
dimensions of soybean production are desirable.
Employer: Purdue University, Department of Agronomy, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Duties/Responsibilities: The incumbent will develop an innovative and nationally recognized
Extension program aimed at identifying and promoting economically and environmentally
sustainable soybean production practices. Soybean is one of Indiana's major agronomic
crops (4.6 million acres in 2007) with rapidly growing utilization in biodiesel production.
Extension responsibilities will include the development of educational curricula for
producers and agricultural professionals on soybean production technologies and associated
cropping systems for traditional and emerging markets (e.g., biodiesel from oilseed
crops, specialty trait markets, wheat and double-cropped soybean). The incumbent will
be expected to develop a complementary and innovative research program that creates
knowledge on soybean and associated cropping systems to help achieve improved sustainability.
Opportunities exist for continued research and Extension programming in winter canola.
The incumbent will be expected to publish in refereed journals, actively participate
in graduate student training, and contribute to collaborative teaching in off-campus
and campus-based educational programs in crop science. The incumbent will be expected
to author newsletter articles and Extension publications, develop effective Extension
education programs for adult learners, and interact with news media. Success in obtaining
extramural funds for Extension and research is expected.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Deadline: Screening of applicants will begin 01 October 2007 and will
continue until a suitable candidate is hired.
Contact: Dr. Tony Vyn, tvyn@purdue.edu.
Position: Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Sorghum Breeding.
Qualifications: Required: Ph.D. in Agronomy, Genetics, Plant Breeding or related field,
with a strong background in applied plant breeding. Excellent communication skills
in written and oral English. Evidence of excellence in research in plant breeding/genetics.
Strong commitment to excellence in teaching. Strong commitment to fostering diversity
in the Department. Preferred: Experience in applied plant breeding in sorghum or other
hybrid systems. Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching. Demonstrated record of competitive
grant writing commensurate with current career development. Demonstrated leadership
in a team research setting. Demonstrated leadership/experience in international agriculture.
Employer: Kansas State University, Department of Agronomy, Manhattan.
Duties/Responsibilities: This individual will work independently and as a member of
interdisciplinary teams to develop a nationally recognized research and teaching program
in sorghum breeding and genetics. Responsibilities include leading an applied breeding
program to develop and release new sorghum parent lines and germplasm that benefit
farming enterprises in Kansas and elsewhere. Applied sorghum breeding activities should
be complemented by basic genetic research involving germplasm characterization, gene
tagging and identification, and marker-assisted selection. The K-State Center for
Sorghum Improvement (KSCSI) is an interdisciplinary research program that addresses
issues related to improving the profitability of sorghum production in the Central
Great Plains and includes faculty working in crop production, weed science, genetics,
plant pathology, plant physiology, entomology, animal science, engineering, end-use
quality and other disciplines. This individual will be expected to provide leadership
for, and develop strong collaborative research efforts through, the KSCSI. Through
the development of this program, training of graduate students, publication of research
results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and securing extramural funding are expected.
Teaching duties include a graduate level course in Advanced Plant Breeding once per
academic year. The candidate must be able to work in a multi-cultural setting and
create an environment that fosters diversity, collegiality and teamwork.
Salary: Commensurate with background and experience.
Application Deadline: 13 November 2007 or until an acceptable candidate is identified.
Contact: Roberto Ramos, rramos@ksu.edu.
Position: Assistant Professor/Research Soil Scientist/Agronomist.
Qualifications: Required: Ph.D. in Soil Science or Agronomy. Ability to conceive,
plan, and implement research studies and to interpret and report results to producer
clientele and the scientific community; demonstrated leadership and ability to communicate
effectively orally and in writing with interpersonal skills that promote interaction
in a multi-disciplinary context; skills in applying computer technology to soil, biological,
and environmental sensing, data analysis, and presentation; evidence of completing
research projects by publishing dissertation research, presenting written scholarly
work, etc. A successful candidate will have the ability to create and foster a diverse
and multi-cultural environment with other scientists to integrate the impacts of agronomic
and tillage systems on soil properties and fertility, crop production, water use,
and economic viability. Preferred: Great Plains agricultural experience; training
or experience in cropping systems, plant physiology, and crop science; evidence of
publication record and grantsmanship.
Employer: Kansas State University, Agricultural Research Center, Hays.
Duties/Responsibilities: Conduct field research to investigate, characterize, and
develop improved soil management, tillage practices, and agronomic crop production
systems for western Kansas. Creating more profit potential for water-limited cropping
systems is a high propriety. Emphasis will be on developing a mechanistic understanding
of soil management and tillage practices for better understanding soil and crop responses
to environmental and cultural practices. Soil science and agronomic research will
be conducted independently and cooperatively with a team of scientists at WKARC and
other KSU units. Expectations include providing leadership for soil science and agronomic
research, collaboration in related areas, publication of results in the peer-reviewed
literature in a timely manner, partnering with colleagues on joint publications and
pursuit of extramural funds.
Salary: Commensurate with academic training and experience.
Application Deadline: Screening begins on 15 November 2007 and continues until the
position is filled.
Contact: Dr. Robert Gillen, gillen@ksu.edu.
Position: Assistant/Associate Professor/Specialist, Weed Science.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Weed Science, Agronomy, Plant/Soil Science, or other closely
related field of study. Experience and training in farm management, field research,
weed science, and row crop agriculture are highly desirable.
Employer: Louisiana State University, Dean Lee Research and Extension Center, Alexandria.
Duties/Responsibilities: Full-time 12 month, tenure-track position with 75% Research
(soybean, cotton, corn, and grain sorghum weed control) and 25% Extension (state-wide
row crop weed control specialist). Research Responsibilities: The selected applicant
will be responsible for developing a weed control research program in corn, cotton,
soybeans, and grain sorghum. Research will focus primarily on, but not limited to
evaluate weed control and crop response of experimental preemergence and postemergence
herbicides, weed control programs utilizing newly developed herbicides, developing
weed management systems, evaluation of reduced rates, adjuvants, and herbicide combinations,
weed management programs utilizing genetically transformed varieties while monitoring
for weed shifts and herbicide resistance. He/She will be required to collaborate with
researchers and extension specialists with the LSU AgCenter system to identify critical
research projects, as well as partner with industry and other universities on various
studies. He/She will also be required to document and publish results from research
in refereed journals and other scientific appropriate outlets. The selected applicant
will be expected to pursue and secure grant funding for support of their research
program. Extension Responsibilities: The selected applicant will collaborate with
and provide assistance to the Extension Weed Specialist located in Winnsboro for the
coordination, development, and promotion of state-wide extension education programs
for row crop weed control using Best Management Practices (BMPs). This applicant will
also provide assistance to annually update the LSA AgCenter's "Suggested Chemical
Weed Control Guide: and collaborate with the Extension Weed Specialist in Winnsboro
to deliver pesticide applicator certification programs. Participation in parish, regional
and state-wide information needed by clientele is expected.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Deadline: 10 December 2007 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Contact: Dr. John Barnett, jbarnett@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Position: Assistant Professor/Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Plant Genetics, Crop Science, or related field and a demonstrated
ability to publish original research in peer-reviewed journals. Research experience
and expertise in modern plant breeding techniques, ability to work effectively as
a member of an interdisciplinary team, and good verbal and written communication skills
are also requirements. Relevant postdoctoral or private sector experience and grant
writing experience are desired in candidates applying for this position.
Employer: University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PHREC) at Scottsbluff.
Duties/Responsibilities: Research - 75%, Extension - 25%. Research will focus on the
development and establishment of alternative crops, or new outputs for existing crops,
that have market potential in rain-fed and limited irrigation ecosystems of the northern
High Plains (western Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, South Dakota and Eastern Wyoming).
Proso millet and related crops with birdseed potential as well as biofuel crops are
of particular interest. Innovative plant breeding techniques will be used to develop
and release new crops and new varieties that are adapted to the region, compliment
the crop rotation and provide new markets. Drought tolerance should be a key factor
in developing or enhancing these crops. A secondary, but critically important, focus
will be the improvement of existing crops (wheat, sunflowers, etc.). The extension
program will develop and deliver educational programs focused on the establishment
of new crops with new uses and markets as well as variety assessment. This specialist
will collaborate with industry leaders to facilitate organizations focused on new
crops and new opportunities. Research information should be disseminated as a cooperative
effort with extension specialists and educators through tours, presentations, demonstration
sites, and web pages. Multimedia tools and distance education are expected to complement
conventional extension approaches. Expected scholarship include communication of research
in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at scientific conferences, supervision of
graduate student research, publication of extension bulletins/circulars, and development
of educational programs that effectively convey research findings. Acquisition of
grant funding to support research and extension programs will be needed to maintain
active programs that meet expectations for tenure and promotion.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on 15 December 2007 and continue
until a suitable candidate is identified.
Contact: Dr. Mark Lagrimini, mlagrimini2@unl.edu.
Position: Research Associate in Environmental Watershed Management.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Soil and Water Sciences or Agricultural Engineering.Strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated publication record and experience with determining the impacts of watershed management on nutrient loss agricultural lands to surface and ground waters.Additional experiences that would be preferred include:Demonstrated interaction with farming communities, on-farm research experience, innovative P tracer techniques (e.g., 018:P rations, sediment fingerprinting, rare-earth element analysis).
Employer: University of Arkansas, Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Fayetteville.
Duties/Responsibilities: Conduct laboratory, field plot and farm scale research to develop and assess innovative Conservation Practices aimed at decreasing nutrient loss (particularly P) in runoff from poultry/beef farming systems in Northwest Arkansas. The incumbent will function as an independent researcher in a multidisciplinary group that is quantifying and verifying nutrient loss reduction efficiencies of nutrient management planning strategies at farm and watershed scales, and will be responsible for conducting experiments, analyzing data, and reporting results at professional meetings and in appropriate referred publications. Contribution to securing extramural funding is expected.
Salary: $45,000 to 50,000. Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed starting 30 November 2007 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.
Contact: Dr. Andrew Sharpley, sharpley@uark.edu.