Assistant Professor - Vegetable Production Systems

Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University invites applications for a 9-month, full-time tenure-track position in Vegetable Production Systems at the Assistant Professor level. Vegetable production systems in New York and the eastern United States are increasingly challenged by variable weather, rising production costs, changing markets, and the need to use water, nutrients, labor, and other inputs more efficiently. At the same time, advances in sensing, precision agriculture, crop and soil management, and production technologies create new opportunities to increase productivity and profitability while reducing environmental impacts. Research that integrates crop physiology, soil and nutrient management, technology, and production-system approaches will be essential to developing resilient vegetable production systems for the region. We seek a candidate to develop a nationally and internationally recognized program advancing environmentally and economically sustainable vegetable production in New York and the eastern United States. Research may integrate fundamental and applied approaches in areas such as nutrient and water management, precision agriculture, new crops and production systems, soil health, climate adaptation, and connections between cropping systems, food quality, and human nutrition. The successful candidate will work closely with vegetable growers, Cornell faculty, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and regional teams, crop consultants, grower organizations, and industry partners to identify research and extension priorities and translate knowledge into economically and environmentally sustainable production practices. Responsibilities: This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% extension. Service and advising are expected within these effort allocations. Research (60%) - Outstanding research scholarship relative to career stage is expected in vegetable production systems. The candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized and externally funded research program that advances productive, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable vegetable cropping systems in New York and the eastern United States. Research should integrate fundamental and applied approaches to address emerging challenges and opportunities in vegetable production. Potential areas of emphasis include, but are not limited to, plant nutrition and soil fertility management; efficient nutrient and water delivery systems; precision agriculture, remote sensing, and sensor-based management; new crops and multi-crop production systems; rhizosphere dynamics and soil health in relation to cover crops and tillage systems; adaptation to variable and changing weather conditions; and interactions among production systems, crop quality, and human nutrition. Excellence in interdisciplinary and team-based research is expected. Extension (40%) - The candidate will provide statewide leadership in vegetable production systems and develop an innovative, responsive extension program that translates research and firsthand knowledge of New York vegetable production into practical, science-based information and management recommendations for New York vegetable growers and allied industries. The successful candidate will work closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and regional vegetable teams, crop consultants, growers, grower organizations, industry partners, and Cornell faculty to identify and address emerging and priority production needs. Direct engagement with growers and commercial vegetable production will be a principal component of the extension program. This may include on-farm troubleshooting and consultations, grower-driven demonstrations and applied trials, field days and other educational programs, and timely responses to emerging production issues. These interactions will ensure that extension priorities and recommendations are informed by firsthand knowledge of production challenges and opportunities across New York. Responsibilities will include contributing to and editing the annual Cornell Vegetable Guidelines; developing and updating vegetable soil fertility, production, and decision-support recommendations in response to demonstrated industry needs; and providing leadership to Cornell vegetable extension efforts and the Vegetable Program Work Team. The candidate will work with extension partners and stakeholders to ensure that recommendations and educational resources are practical, accessible, current, and relevant to commercial vegetable production. The candidate may also serve as a resource for emerging production systems and audiences, including urban and peri-urban agriculture. Research-based information will be communicated through methods appropriate to the needs of growers and industry, including individual consultations, extension publications, presentations, demonstrations, applied trials, digital resources, field-based educational programs, and other approaches that facilitate timely adoption of useful information and management practices. Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment in Horticulture, Plant Science, Crop Science, Plant Biology, or a related discipline, with expertise applicable to vegetable production systems. A commitment to research and extension in SIPS and to the development of interdisciplinary, team-based programs in a collegial environment is essential. Well-qualified applicants are expected to have a demonstrated record of publication, grant writing, extension or stakeholder engagement, mentoring, and industry impact relative to career stage. Preferred qualifications include postdoctoral, extension, or industry experience; demonstrated aptitude for collaborative research; and the ability to communicate effectively with growers, industry professionals, extension educators, students, colleagues, and broader audiences. Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-track faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in School of Integrative Plant Science with the option to join one of the two SIPS sections (Horticulture or Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology) on the AgriTech campus in Geneva, New York. A mentoring program will support the personal and professional development of the new faculty member, providing advocacy, guidance, and assistance. This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Geneva, NY. Relocation assistance may be provided. Consistent with Cornell's practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct. Inquiries may be directed to: Search chair: Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie School of Integrative Plant Science Cornell University Geneva, NY 14456 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. Cornell's regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. Pay Range: Refer to Posting Language Pay Ranges: The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience. Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position. Academic Discipline Unique applicable skills. Employment Assistance: Notice to Applicants: EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-09-25