Careers
Assistant Professor, Crop Production
Description of Duties
The Agronomy Department at Kansas State University is seeking an Assistant Professor for a 12-month tenure-track position in Crop Production with an appointment of 70% research and 30% teaching. This individual will provide leadership in planning and conducting a multidisciplinary field-based research program focused on developing and managing crop production systems that promote efficient use of resources and maximize farm profitability across Kansas. Education and integration of new technologies and tools should be a significant component of the program.
Research should focus on both irrigated and rainfed agriculture to maximize resource use efficiency and yield and profitability of crops (traditional and alternative) that fit crop production systems across Kansas. Research should encompass new developments, tools, and advanced techniques in crop production management.
Primary teaching responsibilities include Crop Growth and Development (AGRON 360) at the undergraduate level and Cropping Systems (AGRON 640) at the undergraduate/graduate level. Both are hands-on experiential courses, and AGRON 360 has an outdoor laboratory at the on-campus farm. There is an opportunity to develop a graduate course in the candidate’s area of interest. Additional expectations include working with and mentoring undergraduate students in their academic programs.
Numerous opportunities exist for collaboration with research and extension personnel both on and off campus and in our network of experiment fields, and with private industry and commodity organizations to develop sustainable and efficient cropping systems. Complementary expertise at K-state includes centers for digital agriculture (ID3A (https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/interdisciplinary-institutes/digital-ag-advanced-analytics/) and for water resources (KWI (https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/interdisciplinary-institutes/water-institute/).
Securing extramural grant funds from state, regional, federal agencies, and industry is expected. Other expectations include conducting scholarly research, training and mentoring graduate students, publishing in refereed journals, and presenting at scientific community, commodity commission, and industry meetings.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in agronomy, crop science, or a closely related field at the time of the appointment.
Field research experience in agronomic crop production systems.
Ability to independently conceive, plan, and implement field research.
Proven ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with current career level.
Strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and student mentoring.
Strong potential for securing extramural funding.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in crop production systems relevant to Kansas.
Knowledge of new technologies and tools to develop and communicate crop management strategies in response to evolving environments and management practices.
Demonstrate experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
Demonstrate experience and effectiveness in graduate/undergraduate teaching and mentoring.