"Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences -- Agroecology"

Job Details

The School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track or non-tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Agroecology to begin August 2026.

This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman’s campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University’s core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed.

Non-tenure-track, term Assistant Professor appointments are subject to annual renewal. The initial term of the appointment is three years. Additional three-year terms may continue indefinitely based on the needs and budget of the university and positive performance review.

Position:Truman State University has one tenure-track or non-tenure-track appointment available beginning August 2026, for outstanding candidates with expertise in agricultural science and agroecology. Candidates with expertise in business models for sustainable food systems are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities: Successful candidates for either position will provide classroom instruction in required and elective courses in Agricultural Science, engage undergraduates using our 400+ acre university farm, and explore opportunities for teaching interdisciplinary courses that support the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University. Successful tenure-track candidates will conduct research with and mentor undergraduate students, serve as a primary academic advisor for undergraduates in agricultural sciences, assist with and lead curriculum development, and serve on departmental and university-level committees. Although not a requirement of the position, successful non-tenure track candidates will have the opportunity to volunteer to participate in curriculum development and serve on departmental and university-level committees. Truman is looking for field-specific expertise accompanied by an ability to teach to students following a broad range of pathways in the liberal arts and sciences. Successful candidates will be excited by the opportunity to engage in intentional collaborative research (for the tenure-track position) and curricular and co-curricular experiences across programs, departments, and schools. Truman is committed to responding to rapidly evolving changes in our fields and in the workforce, embracing expansive modes of inquiry, and building strong communities of practice to address real world needs.

Required Qualifications: To be considered for the non-tenure-track position, applicants require a minimum of a master’s degree in agroecology, agricultural science, or a closely related field. To be considered for the tenure-track position, applicants require a Ph.D. in agroecology, agricultural science, or a closely related field by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications: The successful candidate will demonstrate ability to teach courses related to agroecology, sustainable food systems, and have a working knowledge of agribusiness and agricultural economics. Additional experience in areas such as agricultural policy, small acreage livestock management (e.g. fowl, goats, sheep) and/or land management are also welcome. Experience with community outreach initiatives is preferable. The candidate should demonstrate an interest in interdisciplinary thinking, curricular visioning, pedagogy, and course development as it relates to teaching agricultural science at an undergraduate, public, liberal arts university.

Evaluation of Applicants: All applicants will be evaluated on academic qualifications; support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University; teaching philosophy and experience; demonstrated potential for success in teaching agricultural science courses; evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills; and demonstrated alignment with the department’s needs. For tenure-track candidates, the research plan will be evaluated on the degree to which it complements or diversifies current directions in the department and the level to which it is amenable to involving undergraduate students.

Benefits: Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses. Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year. More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.

Program: The Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences is part of the School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University. The Department has 20 faculty members and approximately 300 undergraduate majors in Agricultural Science (with specializations in Animal Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Business, and Equine Science), Biology, Cannabis & Natural Medicinals and Environmental Science. The Department also offers courses in the Dialogues (Truman’s liberal studies core curriculum) and opportunities for faculty members to pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Application: Applications must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/174804

For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

Completed applications must include:

• a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above,
• a current curriculum vitae,
• a statement of teaching philosophy that reflects on our liberal arts and sciences mission,
• a sustainable research/scholarship plan that includes a mentorship philosophy for engaging undergraduate students in your scholarly pursuits
• contact information for at least three references, and
• official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire).

Review of applications will begin 11/20/2025 and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to the chair of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Drew Sieg, at rsieg@truman.edu.

Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu.

Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.