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Faculty Position – Weed Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics with University of Kentucky, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in Lexington, Kentucky

Type of position University Faculty Position, Assistant Professor, Tenure-track, 12-month appointment
Employer University of Kentucky, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Description of Employer The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready. For more than 130 years, CAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high-tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development. We create a welcoming and inclusive environment that allows our faculty, staff, and students to reach their highest potential. We recognize people with diverse backgrounds and experiences are essential to decision making, problem solving, and innovation each and every day.

The University of Kentucky is a university with approximately 23,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. UK is Kentucky’s flagship university and a land grant institution. We have a university commitment to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond and that is why environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our institution’s legacy. We are recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Gold level Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists, and are recognized as a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Silver Rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The university is geographically near downtown Lexington, which offers the vibrancy of an urban location while being in close proximity to working landscapes and recognized wilderness areas. It is a thriving community of 300,000+ with a strong commitment to quality of life, education, and the arts. Lexington is in the Bluegrass Region, an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape and agricultural region.

Location Lexington, Kentucky
Salary Salary is negotiable and is commensurate with training and experience.
Closing date of competition February 27, 2023, for full consideration, while the position will remain open until filled
Date position available The anticipated start date is July 1, 2023
Description of duties

This is a tenure eligible position with a 12-month appointment and approximately 70% research, 25% teaching, and 5% service responsibilities. The annual distribution of effort will be aligned with this colleague’s strengths and college/department needs. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2023. 

Research: This position will develop a visionary research program to evaluate herbicide-plant interactions and/or weed biology and evolution. The faculty member will demonstrate the ability to apply modern plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics/genomics techniques to studies of weedy plant species and their management. Areas of interest (not mutually exclusive) include herbicide selectivity mechanisms and herbicide sites of action, the biochemical, physiological, and molecular genetic mechanisms attendant with the evolution and establishment of herbicide tolerance/resistance in weeds, and the molecular and physiological characteristics that define weedy plant specieis. 

Teaching: This faculty member will contribute to the instructional mission of the department by teaching in the Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology and Agricultural Ecosystem Sciences undergraduate programs, as well as in the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences Graduate Program. Teaching assignments will be based on the program needs plus the candidate’s interests and qualifications. 

Service: As a land-grant university, service to department, college, university, professional society, and/or society at large is expected. 

Qualifications sought

Applicants must have an earned doctorate in weed science, plant physiology, plant biochemistry, plant molecular genetics, or related fields. Post-doctoral experience in basic and/or applied weed science, as well as in aspects of genome-scale plant biology, is desirable. Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills is required and it is expected that the incumbent will obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.

Application procedure  
Submit what Completed applications should include the following: a cover letter, CV, statements of research and teaching interests, and a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement. In addition, names and contact information of three individuals from whom letters may be requested should be included in the application packet. Applications should be submitted by February 27, 2023, for full consideration, while the position will remain open until filled. Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. In your uploaded document please begin with a cover letter that outlines your approach to the position’s responsibilities, your qualifications, and your vision for innovative and impactful programs that address existing and emerging issues for a diverse and inclusive community, followed by the name, address, email, and phone number for three references, and conclude with career curriculum vita and relevant statements.
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If you need assistance with the electronic application process, contact HR/ Employment, phone (859) 257-9555, press 2, or email [email protected].

Additional Information The University of Kentucky and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment of mutual respect where all members of our community are able to fully engage, belong, and succeed. We support and welcome applicants of all identities such as but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, perspectives, beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, religious belief, age, and, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity university. We encourage applications from women, minorities, and all interested and qualified people. The EEO Coordinator is Tim West, S-105 Agricultural Science North, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40546-0091.