Weed Ecologist–Assistant Professor with University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI

We seek to hire a Weed Ecologist (Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison) to provide leadership in weed science teaching and novel ecological weed management research in Wisconsin. An integrative and applied approach to research is expected, working with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and community partners. Leadership is needed in the development, evaluation, and implications of novel ecological weed management approaches alternative or complementary to chemical weed control methods (e.g., cropping systems diversification and intensification, weed seed management, precision control methods, robotics technologies, etc.).

The incumbent will design novel ecological weed management systems that can enhance benefits and reduce risks to agriculture and the environment. Research will also document the efficacy and suitability of novel non-chemical weed management approaches and estimate their impact on weed ecology and agroecosystem services such as crop production and water quality. The incumbent will have the opportunity to work on a broad range of conventional and organic Wisconsin cropping systems, including grain, forage, and specialty crops. Research efforts will form the foundation for a strong teaching and mentoring program that supports students across departments and colleges at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The incumbent will be expected to develop and teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including an upper-level course in Weed Biology, Ecology and Management. The incumbent will be expected to recruit and mentor graduate students in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agroecology, or other related programs.

Thus, the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture seek a 9-month tenure track Weed Ecologist to investigate novel approaches to ecological weed management across a broad range of Wisconsin cropping systems. The Weed Ecologist will possess the ability to integrate ecotechnological variables that interact within and among agroecosystems at the field, farm, and landscape levels. The position carries a commitment to instruction and research, as well as professional and university service as appropriate to the faculty rank. The incumbent will be expected to develop and grow a collaborative and extramurally funded research and teaching program recognized at state, regional, national, and international levels. The Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture are committed to inclusivity and diversity; therefore, we strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote these values.

The candidate will be expected to:
1. Develop an independent, extramurally funded and recognized research program at the state, regional, national, and international levels.
2. Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, commensurate with college expectations and consistent with the teaching loads of the departments. Mentor students and promote their development and success in a collaborative environment.
3. Contribute to outreach and service functions of the department, college, university, and professional societies.
4. Contribute to programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department, college, and university. Promote an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities.

A PhD in Weed Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agroecology, or closely related discipline is required.

Candidate must have a strong foundation in the ecological principles and concepts of weed and agricultural sciences, strong research background, and demonstrated ability to communicate (oral and written), teach, publish, and secure competitive funding.

Successful candidates will have a record of, or demonstrate potential for:
i) Extramural grant-writing
ii) Publications in peer reviewed journals
iii) Graduate student training/mentoring
iv) Teaching and curriculum development
v) Outreach and service activities
vi) Promoting an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants can find relevant information about the Department of Agronomy at https://agronomy.wisc.edu, and Department of Horticulture at https://horticulture.wisc.edu/ Any questions regarding the position may be directed to the search committee co-chairs, Dr. Rodrigo Werle ([email protected]) or Dr. Amaya Atucha ([email protected]).

University of Wisconsin-Madison CALS Mission: To advance and share knowledge, discover solutions and promote opportunities in food and agriculture, bioenergy, health, the environment and human well-being.

Vision: To lead in science, innovation and collaboration that improves life and sustains the natural world.

UW-Madison is one of the world’s premier research universities, with more than 16,000 faculty, staff, and graduate assistants, who, collectively, support the research, teaching and public service missions of the university. The 963-acre campus is located on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is consistently ranked among the top 5 small U.S. cities to live in because of its cultural and ethnic diversity, affordable cost of living, low unemployment, and excellent public schools. The University of Wisconsin-Madison attracts a diverse body of outstanding graduate students from around the world and provides state-of-the art research and teaching facilities, both in Madison and at multiple agricultural research stations throughout the state. Madison is a picturesque city with a strong economy and a vibrant cultural environment.

UW Agricultural Research Stations: The UW-Madison Agricultural Research Station Network is comprised of 12 unique sites. These sites sit on 8000 acres of cropable farmland that represents many of the soil types found in the State of Wisconsin. The facilities available to researchers and support staff are valued at over $45 million, and house over $8.5 million worth of farming and research equipment. The research mission of the Agricultural Research Stations is supported by approximately 110 permanent employees and 50 seasonal staffers.

The UW-Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty and staff.