"Assistant Professor, Tenure-track - Plant Pathology (Vegetable Pathology)"

Faculty Position Available In: Plant Pathology (Vegetable Pathology)

School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University

Academic Year Appointment (9-month)

Position: Assistant Professor, Tenure-track.

Location: Ithaca, NY or Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY. The academic home is within the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University.

The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Vegetable Plant Pathology at the Assistant Professor level.

The production of specialty vegetable crops in New York is challenged by a myriad of factors, including diseases that substantially reduce yield and quality of crops and deleteriously affect the livelihoods of New York farmers. Effective disease management is required for the high-quality production of vegetables crops. We are seeking a candidate who will develop an externally funded, innovative, research and extension program in plant pathology and plant-microbe biology, with a focus on vegetable diseases in New York, including those of potato. The successful candidate will apply cutting-edge tools and techniques, including data science, artificial intelligence and/or bioinformatics, towards understanding the biology and management of plant pathogens that cause diseases. Research may include pathogen and population biology, phylogenomics, precision agriculture, disease resistance, and innovative approaches to disease management. The candidate is expected to translate basic discoveries into applications with the goal of improving the management of vegetable diseases. The candidate will be expected to collaborate with members of other disciplines in SIPS, as well as within and outside of CALS and Cornell, to develop integrated strategies to reduce crop loss from diseases. The candidate will also contribute to the missions of CALS to foster sustainable agricultural practices in specialty vegetable crops. The successful candidate is expected to develop and implement an externally funded research program that complements research and extension activities conducted by others in SIPS, and more broadly across CALS. This includes securing funding from sources that include federal agencies, foundations, the private sector, and agricultural interest groups.

The candidate will also have a strong commitment to advising and inclusive mentoring of students. Candidates are also expected to engage in service and leadership activities within the school, the college and university, and relevant professional societies.

Responsibilities: This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% extension.

Research (60%): An outstanding scholarship in plant pathogens and diseases affecting vegetables, including potatoes, is expected. The candidate will develop an internationally recognized, well-funded, program in vegetable pathology that includes excellence in both fundamental and applied research leading to innovative solutions to important diseases in vegetable crops. Excellence in and commitment to the development of multidisciplinary team-based research and training programs is essential.

Extension (40%): It is critical that the candidate connects with stakeholders across New York through applied research and dissemination of information using diverse platforms and media. Partnerships with stakeholders including vegetable growers, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell Integrated Pest Management, and policy makers are expected.

Affiliation: The candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member within CALS with the option to join any of the five sections (Plant Biology, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Soil and Crop Sciences, or Horticulture) that comprise SIPS. The successful candidate may be physically located at either the Cornell University's Ithaca campus or the AgriTech campus in Geneva, NY. Both locations are preeminent centers for agriculture and food research that deliver practical solutions to help farmers and businesses thrive. A mentoring program will support the personal and professional development of the new faculty member, providing advocacy, guidance, and assistance.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology with a working understanding of plant disease management. A commitment to research and extension in SIPS and to the development of multidisciplinary, collegial, team-based research and extension programs is essential. Well-qualified applicants are expected to have a demonstrated record of publication excellence. Preferred qualifications include postdoctoral experience, the ability to work as part of a team, and the skills needed to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, farmers, and broader audiences.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate to within commuting distance of Geneva/Ithaca, NY. Relocation assistance may be provided. Finalists for this position will be asked to sign an affidavit that they have not been found to have violated employer policies at their previous institutions.

In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Law, the annual base salary range for this assistant professor position is $90,000 - $135,000. This pay range represents base pay (for 9 months). Cornell University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.