Assistant Professor, Agroecology/Agroinformatics

This position is a full-time, nine-month (academic year) tenure-track appointment with a 50% teaching and 50% research split. Research activities will support the development of multifunctional agricultural systems, by analysis and improvement of the cumulative environmental effects of diversified farming systems across extended spatial and temporal scales. The successful candidate will integrate agroinformatics, biophysical modeling, and empirical approaches using modern agroecology research methods. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, landscape scale modeling to 1) strategically deploy emerging crops that minimize negative impacts on natural environments, 2) sustainably integrate crop and livestock systems, 3) predict watershed- and landscape-scale water quality and soil health outcomes associated with the adoption of conservation agriculture practices, or 4) forecast crop production and environmental impacts of current and future cropping systems under various climate change scenarios.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics faculty, which includes scientists and educators from a broad range of disciplines and agricultural systems (see details below). The department will support the successful candidate to engage in interdisciplinary research, which can be achieved by collaborating widely with other University institutions such as the Forever Green Initiative, GEMS Informatics, U-Spatial, IonE, the AI-Climate Institute, and the Minnesota Office of Soil Health. Collaboration with faculty across departments and the use of resources such as the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, will be encouraged and supported. Along with federal funding opportunities within agencies like USDA, DOE, and NSF, the successful candidate will have opportunities to apply for competitive grants at the state and regional levels such as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, commodity groups, and state legislative priorities.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach two courses per year including an existing course within the Department's undergraduate major. The candidate will have opportunities to develop a new course on agroecology, agronomy, agroinformatics, precision agriculture, or other related topics. Teaching efforts are expected to support undergraduate students in a range of majors in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. Graduate level teaching opportunities may also be available, along with opportunities to participate in the development of graduate curricula around agroecology and sustainable agriculture. The successful candidate will be expected to advise graduate students in the Applied Plant Sciences program and other related programs such as Land and Atmospheric Sciences, Conservation Sciences, Water Resources Sciences.

The University of Minnesota is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and inclusive excellence of the academic community through their teaching/extension, service, and research, scholarship, or creative arts.

Responsibilities

• Develop a nationally recognized research program in agroecology/agroinformatics
• Contribute to the College's strengths and mission to diversify cropping systems
• Teach two undergraduate and/or graduate courses equal to at least 6 credits per year
• Maintain an externally-funded research program
• Advise graduate and undergraduate students
• Engage in service activities that support the department, college, and the land grant mission

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in relevant field
• Demonstration of strong commitment to teaching
• Proven ability to conduct innovative, original research in relevant field
• A publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other researchers

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred.
• Grant writing experience
• Strong quantitative skills
• Demonstrated teaching and mentoring experience at the university-level
• Experience in research fields including agroecology, agricultural or environmental modeling at landscape and watershed scales, whole-farm modeling, agronomy/agroinformatics, computational ecology, or other related fields relevant to the position

Department Overview
The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest. Faculty in the department are members of the Applied Plant Science, and Plant and Microbial Biology graduate programs. The faculty teach in the Plant Science, and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture interdepartmental undergraduate programs.

College Overview
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 13 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. CFANS offers thirteen undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and 23 minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Pay Range: $93,000.00 - $97,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% time, 9-month appointment

Position Type: Faculty (tenure-track), Assistant Professor (#9403)

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Applications must be submitted online via http://employment.umn.edu/ (search for Job Opening ID #355310). Candidates should include all of the required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required application materials:
Please submit the following as ONE PDF document:

• Curriculum Vitae
• 1 - 2 page Research Statement
  • the statement should highlight accomplishments, experience, and interests
• 1 - 2 page Teaching Statement
  • the statement should highlight accomplishments, experience, philosophies, and interests
• Letters of recommendation need not be submitted with your initial application and will be requested at the final interview stage.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Search Committee Chair, Associate Professor Jake Jungers (junge037@umn.edu).

Submit applications by Monday, April 28.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).