Assistant / Associate Research Professor – Agronomy / Soil Scientist

Title: Assistant / Associate Research Professor – Agronomy / Soil Scientist

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Education & Experience

Agency: Virginia State University

Location: VSU/Coop Ext & Agri Res Sta

Agency Website: www.vsu.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Purpose: The Assistant/Associate Research Professor – Agronomy/Soil Scientist holds a faculty appointment in the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University (VSU). The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating nationally recognized and impact-driven research-based educational programs in their field of expertise related to the national and state identified program areas that fosters climate-resilient small farm systems by identifying new, economically desirable crops and new cropping practices.

Duties & Responsibilities: A successful candidate will develop and lead an integrated farming system that assists smallholder farmers in coping with the impacts of future climate change. Develop effective adaptation responses that allow small farmers to adjust to climate change by identifying crops and varieties tolerant to drought and heat stress, expanding crop rotations, reducing tillage, planting cover crops, and developing agronomic practices that enhance soil quality and conserve water. Research will include assessing the effectiveness of adaptation options and their likely acceptance by small farmers. Develop a funded program in climate-resilient small-scale agriculture that complements the on-going research at the Agricultural Research Station, and foster strong and meaningful collaboration with other faculty at the station and related departments. Establish and lead a multidisciplinary research team to conduct applied research on the agronomy, and crop science(s), climate change, and farming sustainability in Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science or closely related discipline with demonstrated ability to design and conduct publishable research in plant sciences.
• Experience with implementing applied research activities related to respective program area/interest.
• Evidence of effective teaching ability and skills in university and/or community-based programs.
• Demonstrated ability to adapting programmatic needs to various platform delivery software systems (Cisco WebEx, Zoom, etc.).
• Experience in marketing and promotional advertising materials related to respective area.
• Experience in developing publications, including journal articles, and technical reports.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills to include computer literacy, interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion of underserved audiences.
• Experience identifying and applying assessment tools and/or methods to aid in determining successful learning outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding is strongly desired.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with the Land-Grant University system.
• Experience with implementing applied research activities related to respective program area/interest.
• Knowledge and understanding of 1890 Land-Grant University, Agricultural Research organizations, operation, philosophy, and objectives is preferred.

Special Instructions: 

RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (RMS). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.

The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Contact Information:

Name: Loreley Leabhart

Phone: (804) 524-5083

Email: lleabhart@vsu.edu

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.