Assistant Professor/Weed Scientist with Kansas State Univeristy in Hays, Ks

This tenure-track position with 60% research and 40% extension appointment will be responsible for leading an innovative and nationally recognized applied weed science research and extension program focused on dryland and irrigated cropping systems in western Kansas. Develop integrated weed management strategies based on a sound understanding of weed biology and ecology; that incorporates chemical, cultural, and mechanical tactics. Research and demonstrations may be on-farm or at any of the Western Kansas Research and Extension Center locations and/or in collaboration with faculty on main campus. Emphasis will be given to the management of herbicide-resistant weed species and the application of emerging weed management technologies such as artificial intelligence driven smart sprayer innovations for the unique challenges of the region. This individual will be expected to develop active collaborations with other public and private weed scientists and agronomists in the state and region. Expectations also include publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner, securing extramural funds for research and capacity building activities, training of graduate students, and an active extension program that shares expertise at workshops and answers questions from producers and agricultural professionals. Extension scholarship includes development of traditional extension publications and bulletins; interaction and collaboration with extension and research colleagues; agent mentoring, and communication with clientele via public meetings/conferences, web sites, social media, other electronic means, and individual consultation. While the emphasis of the research and extension program should be on weed management issues relevant to western Kansas, there is an expectation that the faculty member will have a regional, national, or global impact on the innovative management of weeds.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. at the time of appointment in weed science, agronomy, crop science, or closely related field with a strong background in applied weed science.
• Experience or training in production agriculture.
• Ability to conceive, plan, and implement research in weed management and ecology.
• Ability to interpret and report results to producers, the scientific community, industry clientele, and extension agents.
• Ability to complete research projects as evidenced by publication of the applicant’s graduate research and presentation of scholarly work.
• Demonstrated proficiency with oral and written communication in English.
• Commitment to work in a multi-cultural environment that fosters diversity, collegiality, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented experience with Great Plains or Midwest crop production practices.
• Experience with dryland and irrigated agricultural production and field plot research.
• Documented experience with planning and delivering extension programming.
• Crop production knowledge of wheat, corn, grain sorghum, cotton, soybean, alfalfa, and fallow management in a production system.
• Experience with writing grant proposals.
• Proven ability to conceive, plan, implement and publish applied research.
• Demonstrated skills in the effective use of electronic media to communicate technical weed science information.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

A letter of application articulating experience or training relative to the qualifications for the position including; a statement of interest and vision regarding extension and applied research (maximum of 2 pages)
Resume
Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Three letters of reference
Screening of applications begins on May 10, 2023, and continues until position is filled.
For further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Brian Olson, Department Head for the Western Kansas Research Extension Centers at [email protected] or Dr. Augustine Obour, Search Committee Chair at [email protected] . Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers – http://www.wkarc.org

Background Screening Statement:
In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.