Assistant Professor of Agroecology

TITLE: Assistant Professor of Agroecology

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

REPORTS TO: Chair, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources

CLASSIFICATION: Faculty-9 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site. Main Campus Frankfort, KY

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Kentucky State University is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Assistant Professor of Agroecology. This position is a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment with a distribution of responsibilities including 50% research, 25% extension, and 25% teaching/advising. The successful candidate will be a full member of the University s faculty and will contribute to advancing sustainable agricultural systems and addressing global food and environmental challenges through their research and extension in agroecology.

The individual in this position is expected to develop an integrated and nationally recognized teaching, research, and extension program in soil health and plant nutrient management suitable for sustainable agriculture, and applicable in a wide range of agroecosystems. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program in areas including but not limited to sustainable farming practices, agronomy, agroecosystem management, soil health, ecology, plant-microbe interactions, ecological pest management emphasizing biological controls, climate adaptation of agricultural systems, resilience in food systems, and the interaction of economic and biological principles in agriculture. The successful candidate will advance the understanding of sustainable agricultural systems and fostering innovative solutions to Kentucky & global food/environmental challenges.

Instructional responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses related to agroecology and agricultural sciences, or related courses in the candidate s disciplinary area, across the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as engaging with program stakeholders. The successful candidate will contribute to departmental, college, and university committees, and engage with producers and the broader community to disseminate research findings and promote the application of agroecological principles.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Successful candidate will be expected to develop an integrated agroecosystems research program to evaluate and improve understanding of the soil-plant-water-environment nexus.

Research will focus on managing agricultural ecosystems based on ecological principles, relationships, and processes to increase productivity, optimize economic returns, mitigate negative environmental impacts, and ensure ecosystem resiliency. Research priorities will address knowledge gaps and site-specific evaluations of decision-making support tools and technologies related to soil health and plant nutrient management for adaptation to local and regional farming systems.

Teaching responsibilities will support undergraduate degree in College of Agriculture, Health, Natural Resources and the MS graduate degree, teaching both undergraduate and graduate levels. Specific courses to be taught could include new courses reflecting the candidate s interests and expertise or existing courses meeting departmental needs. Example courses may include, but are not limited too, any or a combination of Soil Fertility and Soil Nutrient Management, Soil Chemistry, Agroecology and Cropping Systems.

Successful candidate will also be expected to participate in mandated university activities to advance institutional goals and mission.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Be interested in integrated farming systems and working with diverse or underrepresented communities

Demonstrate the potential for collaborative, integrated, multidisciplinary research, grant writing, publishing, and stakeholder involvement.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in research and teaching

Have effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in the university setting

Have excellent written and oral communication skills

Have a valid Kentucky Driver s License.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES:

This position will conduct other related duties as assigned.

Develop research grant proposals to support research activities

Share research findings through peer reviewed publications and presentations in professional meetings and extension programs

Supervise graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research

Serve on university committees, stakeholder groups, and professional associations

Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science, Agroecology, or a closely related field by the time of employment

Interested in integrated farming systems

Demonstrated potential to write competitive grant proposals and secure funding

Effective communication skills

Experience in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General Office Environment: Primarily seated work with occasional periods of standing and walking.

Must be able to travel (25% and/or as needed), conduct fieldwork, in a range of environments

May occasionally need to move light equipment and carry supplies, publications, and equipment for demonstration and training programs

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.