This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% extension.
Research (60%): The incumbent will be expected to develop a nationally recognized and extramurally funded research program that builds upon the fundamental knowledge of seed biology and physiology particularly of specialty crops, while applying this knowledge to improve profitability for growers and sustainability of agricultural systems. Research areas may include, but are not limited to: seed quality (including seed production), germplasm conservation, genetics of seed quality, efficient production, development of novel seed treatment technologies (i.e. RNAi based seed technology, delivery of microbes, elicitors, biochemicals, conventional crop protection chemicals, and nanoparticles for enhancing germination), seedling emergence, plant health and crop performance; seed dormancy and longevity, seed storage and preservation systems, seed biology of weedy and invasive species as it relates to management, and seed biology as it impacts biodiversity and germplasm conservation.
Extension (40%): The incumbent will develop an impactful extension program that addresses the needs of industry stakeholders and results in changes in practice that improve profitability, efficiency and sustainability. Extension efforts will drive collaborative partnerships on seed production and/or post-harvest seed technology with extension educators, crop consultants, seed companies, and biotech companies. Extension responsibilities include development of curricula for training stakeholders in seed-related matters, such as seed processing and post-harvest storage as it relates to developing a vibrant local seed industry, as well as enhancing urban farming programs or supporting emerging crops. The candidate will provide faculty leadership for the Annual Cornell Seed Conference, the Cornell Seed Growers Field Day, and the annually updated Cornell Production and Pest Management Guidelines as they relate to seed issues. Efforts supporting the Vegetable Breeding Institute and the NY Seed Improvement Project on seed related issues is expected. The faculty in the position will collaborate with colleagues on the Cornell AgriTech and Ithaca campuses, Cornell Cooperative Extension, NYS Integrated Pest Management, the NY Seed Improvement Project, the USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit, and the NYS Vegetable Grower Association, Northeast Organic Farming Association of NY and other grower organizations across the state.
Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) with the option to join one of the two SIPS sections (Horticulture or Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology) on the AgriTech campus. This hire will be based in the collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the Cornell AgriTech campus in Geneva, New York.