"Asst/Associate Professor - Extension Corn Agronomist"

Asst/Associate Professor - Extension Corn Agronomist

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category: Agricultural Extension

Type: Full-Time

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Location: Raleigh, NC and/or Plymouth, NC

Essential Job Duties:

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is seeking applicants at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. In this role you will have extension and research responsibilities in the area of applied corn agronomy in North Carolina, associated with the prestigious Named Chair, funded by an endowment from the NC Corn Growers Association.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing comprehensive support to corn producers, county agents, crop consultants, NCDA&CS regional agronomists, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders in the field corn industry.
• Collaborating with existing corn research and Extension faculty at NC State University to:
  • Develop cutting-edge research to improve agronomic recommendations.
  • Deliver technical training to producers and county agents.
  • Troubleshoot production problems and offer practical solutions.
  • Build relationships that strengthen the field corn production industry.

You will also be responsible for disseminating technical information through various channels:

• Print and electronic formats: Including the commodity portal and social media.
• In-person events: Such as grower meetings, county agent training sessions, field days, stakeholder training, and farm visits.
• Professional presentations: Sharing research and advancements at state, regional, and national meetings to support the growth of the corn agronomy field.

Additionally, you will have teaching responsibilities will include co-teaching three undergraduate courses:

• CS 118/218 - Southern Row Crop Production: Soybeans, Corn, and Small Grains (spring semester, in-person).
• CS 218 - Southern Row Crop Production: Soybeans, Corn, and Small Grains (fall semester, online).
• CS 590 - Exploring Southern Row Crops Summer Practicum (graduate level, every other summer).

Teaching commitments will include:

• Five weeks per fall and spring semester.
• Two weeks every other summer.

This position will be located in Raleigh, which strategically aligns with the advertised teaching appointment and creates efficiency for state-wide programming efforts. While this position will be based on the main campus in Raleigh, it will have a heavy focus on extension and field research at the Tidewater Research Station area. The research technician and biweekly employees in the program will be stationed at the Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth along with all of the equipment (tractors, planters, combine, vehicles, sprayers, etc.), and the position will continue using the maintenance/shop area, equipment storage buildings, greenhouse space, and the farm fields at the Tidewater Research Station for research and extension activities.

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The positions will be housed at the Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth, NC, with statewide extension responsibilities expected.

Minimum Experience/Education:

• PhD in agronomy, crop science, or a closely related discipline.

Required Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of row crop agronomy, including soil science, crop management, and sustainable agriculture practices
• Ability to design and conduct applied research in agronomy.
• Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting field data to develop actionable agronomic recommendations.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools and software used in agricultural research.
• Writing skills for producing research reports, Extension bulletins, and publications in academic journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with corn agronomy.
• Experience with small and large-scale applied research.
• Experience with emerging research and farm technology.
• Experience developing and implementing extension programs that translate research-based knowledge into practical application to farmers, consultants, and ag industry professionals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with growers, Extension agents, and commodity stakeholders
• Applicants should have a record of research, teaching, extension, and service consistent with appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level.

Required License or Certification:

• A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
• A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.