Date of posting here June 11, 2008 Type of position University Position Employer Cornell University Description of Employer Located in Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University is a bold, innovative, inclusive and dynamic teaching and research university where staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to make an enduring contribution to the betterment of humanity. Location Ithaca, New York Description of Location Department of Horticulture, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. Departmental information is available at http://hort.cals.cornell.edu Salary Competitive, commensurate with background and experience. An attractive fringe benefits package is available. Academic year salary provides opportunity for supplementation from other sources for up to 2.5 months' equivalent summer salary. Closing date of competition when position is filled Date position available Open Description of duties Weed biology and ecology are growing disciplines in the horticultural sciences as pressure to reduce synthetic pesticides grows. Additionally, there is a dearth of knowledge in the area of weed ecology in human managed landscapes, particularly the application of ecological principles of disturbance, seedbank dynamics and plant competition. This position will fill an important niche in the human-managed landscape programs needing integration with existing pest management expertise. The successful applicant will be expected to: Develop and carry out an innovative, clearly-focused, externally funded research program in weed biology and ecology with particular emphasis on seed bank dynamics, vulnerabilities in life cycles, and exploration of natural products as potential management options. The candidate is expected to work cooperatively with horticultural and ecological disciplines to explore weed management in human-managed landscapes. Developing management strategies for invasive species is of particular interest, as well as understanding how drought stress, compacted soils, rhizosphere conditions, and management factors affect weed-crop competition and ecology. The candidate will be expected to train graduate students and publish research findings in appropriate peer-reviewed journals. (60%) Develop an extension program to help lead the horticulture industry towards more efficacious and environmentally sustainable practices through interpretation and dissemination of research findings to stakeholders via web-based approaches, on-site problem solving, grower presentations, and publication of extension and popular articles including writing the weed management portion of the appropriate Cornell Pest Management Guidelines. The candidate will be a resource person for the New York State IPM Program and county extension educators, providing training and assistance in weed identification and weed control methods. Interaction with faculty, staff, stakeholder groups, federal and state agencies (e.g. NY Department of Environmental Conservation), as well as contributions to invasive species and noxious weed management groups are encouraged. The candidate will occasionally provide guest lectures to students and collaborate with the garden-based learning and community horticulture programs to support noncommercial stakeholders. (40%) Qualifications sought Ph.D. degree in Weed Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, Ecology, Plant Sciences or closely related field, with emphasis on and/or experience in weed science and ecology. The candidate must be knowledgeable about weed management as it pertains to turfgrass science, as well as landscape and nursery management. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams are expected. The Department actively encourages applications from women and minority candidates, and vigorously supports efforts to attract all qualified applicants. Contact for additional information Prof. Frank S. Rossi: fsr3@cornell.edu Application procedure   Submit what Send a curriculum vitae, transcripts, five references and a statement of goals Submit to Cornell University, Professor Frank S. Rossi, Department of Horticulture, 134A Plant Science Building, Ithaca, NY 14853. (fsr3@cornell.edu). Application review will begin on June 15, 2008 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.