Assistant Professor – Controlled-Environment Agriculture

Overview

The Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate invites excellent scientists to apply for an opportunity to pursue basic and applied science towards the development and optimization of controlled environment production systems. The successful candidate should also collaborate across disciplines to investigate plant/environment interactions relevant to   field agriculture and  plant biology.  Similarly, we look for an excellent teacher to instruct, inspire, and mentor students in plant biology and agriculture.

 

We expect this scientist to expand our understanding of whole plant physiology using controlled environments as a research tool (protected horticulture ranging from growth rooms, climate-controlled greenhouses, and high tunnels).  Applications might include a wide range of specialty crops (ornamentals, vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants, and or fruit)  Areas of emphasis could include water reuse and water use efficiency, optimization of mineral nutrition using hydroponics and soilless substrates, optimization of production with CO2 enrichment, advanced lighting technologies, and the identification and selection of novel high-value crops. This position offers the opportunity to continue our 40-year legacy of NASA-funded research on food production for deep space missions.  These NASA-funded studies have direct implications for food production on Earth.

 

The division of roles in this position will be 65% Research, 30% Teaching, 5% Service.

 

Evaluation of the applicants will begin on Nov. 15 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

Estimated start date is August 1, 2025

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally-funded research program important to the state and region.
• Develop and teach a fundamental undergraduate course in whole-plant physiology and anatomy, plus a second course in their field of expertise.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and research technicians.
• Collaborate with a wide range of scientists in disciplines such as plant biology, entomology, plant pathology, genetics, etc.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline and to compete successfully for external funding to support their research programs.
• Contribute to the department/college/university through service.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in plant science, plant physiology, botany, or related discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge of controlled-environment management practices for diverse plants
• Experience with classroom teaching of students in higher education.
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals
• Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain competitive funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in fundamental plant research using controlled environments.
• Demonstrated communication skills across diverse disciplines.
• Evidence of effective mentoring of students and staff.
• Experience with online or remote delivery of teaching.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

 

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"

1-2 page Research statement to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

1-2 page Teaching statement to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile

Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to adva