Assistant Professor in Plant Systems Biology or Biotechnology

The Department of Botany and Plant Sciences at the University of California, Riverside seeks applicants for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant level focusing on modern plant systems biology or biotechnology, with a particular interest in synthetic biological, and omics-scale approaches to understanding and designing plants and associated ecosystems, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research incorporates systems biology, natural product biochemistry, or ecosystem-level approaches to understand and improve plant productivity and resilience to climate change both for societal benefit and to enhance the sustainability of natural resources. Applicants utilizing model systems, including those relevant to agriculture, as well as those who study complex natural systems are highly encouraged. Applicants should have a passion for training the next generation of plant biologists. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous, extramurally funded research program. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and/or graduate courses.

The UC salary consists of a base pay of $78,200 to $101,400 for Assistant Professors and additional off-scale to be commensurate with market value, qualifications and experiences. The off-scale portion of the salary will be maintained as long as satisfactory academic progress is made. Additionally, the off-scale will be maintained subject to market adjustments to the UC salary scale.

Basic qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include: Ph.D. in Life Sciences or a related field.

Preferred qualifications for this position include: Research experience with one or more of the following: synthetic biology, biotechnology; the generation and analyses of large 'omics datasets; plant molecular biology and physiology, ecosystems-level analyses.

Additional qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of hire include: Postdoctoral experience is desirable. Preference will be given to applicants who have expertise that complements or enhances existing strengths in plant biology/sciences.

Advancement through the Professor ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

To apply: submit the following to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02016

• Cover Letter - Short cover letter describing background and interests.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Evaluations (if available)
• Statement of Teaching - This statement should be a concise description of the applicant's teaching and mentoring philosophy and include past experience and future teaching and mentoring plans. (2-page maximum)
• Statement of Research (2-page maximum)
• Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and
  Inclusive Excellence (2-page maximum) - The University of California is committed to
  excellence and equity in every facet of its mission. Applicants should summarize their past
  and planned contributions in relevant areas of faculty achievement that promote equal
  opportunity and diversity. These contributions to diversity and equal opportunity can take
  a variety of forms including specific actions and efforts to advance equitable access to
  education, public service that addresses the needs of diverse populations, research in a
  scholar's area of expertise that highlights inequalities, or mentoring and advising of
  students and faculty members, particularly from underrepresented and underserved
  populations.
• Letters of Reference - At time of submission, applicants should provide contact
  information and request letters of recommendation from 3 references to be submitted through UC Recruit. Letters will need to be submitted to AP recruit from the letter writers by December 18, 2024.

Review of applications will commence on December 18, 2024, and proceed until position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Sean Cutler, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, at sean.cutler@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Ashleigh Bennett, Academic Personnel, at ashleigh.bennett@ucr.edu.

Department: https://plantbiology.ucr.edu/

Ph.D. in Life Sciences or a related field.

Research experience with one or more of the following: synthetic biology, biotechnology; the generation and analyses of large 'omics datasets; plant molecular biology and physiology, ecosystems-level analyses.

• 3-4 letters of reference required

Please provide the contact information for a minimum of three references. You will need to request the confidential reference letters via AP Recruit as part of your application.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:

https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.