EXTENSION PLANT PATHOLOGIST

Plant Science Department

South Dakota State University

Posted: 09/10/2007

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

The Plant Science Department at South Dakota State University seeks an Assistant Professor in Extension Plant Pathology to establish a nationally recognized program in education, applied research, and service. The position is 12-month and tenure-track, with a 75% Cooperative Extension Service / 25% Agricultural Experiment Service split.

 

The successful applicant will provide proactive leadership in a plant disease identification and management extension program that addresses both agricultural and horticultural crops. Extension activities include developing statewide extension educational programs in pathogen identification and integrated management. Research activities will focus on the economically important plant pathogens of the region.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Plant Pathology or related discipline: i.e. IPM of plant diseases, disease diagnostics, or plant pathogen biology
• Experience in pathogen identification and disease diagnostics
• Excellent oral and written communication, and interpersonal, skills
• Strong commitment to extension leadership and team building
• Experience in conducting independent field research, including plot design, management, and statistical analysis of data
• Ability and willingness to travel statewide as the position requires

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Broad knowledge of plant pathogens in important crops and cropping systems
• Proven ability to develop an adaptive, externally funded research program
• History of publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in the integrated management of plant pathogens
• Demonstrated effectiveness in extension programming and presentation of research results
• Project management skills, including supervisory experience
• Willingness to train/mentor graduate and undergraduate students

 

SALARY: Salary ranges are commensurate with qualifications.

 

 

UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY: SDSU is a land grant institution and the state's largest institution of higher education with an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students.  The Plant Science Department currently has 35 tenure track faculty members in pest management, crops/breeding/genetics, and soils/environmental sciences. The Plant Science Department has a current enrollment of 207 undergraduate and 25 graduate students and offers BS, MS, and Ph.D. degree programs. Faculty in the Plant Science Department play a key role in fulfilling the land grant university mission of education, discovery, and outreach.

 

SDSU is located in Brookings, South Dakota, a community of approximately 17,500 near the east central border of South Dakota on Interstate 29.  The city has an excellent K-12 education system, is accessible to major medical facilities, has an active cultural and social environment, and has numerous lakes and parks within driving distance.  It is 50 miles north of Sioux Falls, a city of 148,000.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications on October 15^th.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS: SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site.  To apply, visit: http://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=52010 and click on "apply for this posting"   The system will guide you through the electronic application form.  The employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, your curriculum vitae, and a references page (please submit at least three professional references).

 

In the cover letter, please include statements of your:

(1)  Professional goals

(2)  Extension philosophy

(3)  Research interests

(4)  Abstract from your dissertation.

 

Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. For questions on the position, contact Dr. Jeff Stein at 605-688-5540 / jeff.stein@sdstate.edu.

 

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff and students.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made at TTY (605) 688-4394. SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteranŐs status or any other protected class in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities.  Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact:  Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Administration 324, SDSU, Brookings, SD  57007.  Phone:  (605) 688-4128.