The Division of Plant Science and Technology in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU) seeks an Assistant Research Professor and State Extension Specialist in Weed Science. This 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position with a 60% research and 40% extension appointment is located at the University of Missouri’s (MU) Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) in Portageville, MO. However, a close collaboration with faculty on MU´s main campus in Columbia is expected.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will primarily focus on weed management issues affecting field crops important to the state and region, such as cotton, rice, soybean, corn, grain sorghum and emerging crops such as peanuts. This position is expected to develop an independent, grower-focused, weed science research program and work collaboratively with research programs at the FD-REEC and other centers across the state. Research will incorporate novel cultural, biological, mechanical, and alternative chemical control practices that could involve advances in engineering, digital agriculture, and genomics by enhancing the understanding of weed management on plant populations. The work will include planning, designing, and conducting field and greenhouse experiments (including data collection and statistical analyses) with input from producers to target research projects important for the region. The goal is to develop and advance weed management options for the Delta region of Missouri, which not only enhance economic productivity but minimize risks to agricultural production and the environment. The successful candidate will disseminate research-based information to producers, industry and the scientific community via extension presentations and other publications including refereed journal articles. Ability to secure extramural funding and publish research findings is required. Collaboration with public and private researchers, farmers, and extension specialists within Missouri and other states is expected. Availability to producers to answer questions about weed management in crop production is critical.
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Weed Science or a related field by the time of appointment. Candidates will be evaluated on: Relevant postdoctoral experience. Experience in education and weed management strategies and demonstrated expertise of past and current issues related to herbicide resistant weeds. Excellent oral skills to communicate with farmers and other commodity stakeholders and the ability to work well in a collaborative team. Ability to secure funding. Knowledge of operating and maintenance of small plot and farm-scale equipment, and proven experience in data analysis, and writing (e.g., grant proposals, scientific and extension publications).
