Endowed Chair in Soil Science for Tree Fruit Systems

Washington State University (WSU) Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (CSS) in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) seeks a dynamic, motivated, problem-solving leader to develop an innovative, systems-based soil research and extension program for Washington tree fruit, contributing to a growing focus on soil-plant interactions. This position is a full-time, continuous, tenured/tenure-track (assistant, associate, or professor rank), Endowed Chair in Soil Science for Tree Fruit Systems.

The endowed chair will build a nationally and internationally recognized program focused on soil and rhizosphere processes that enhances the competitiveness of Washington's tree fruit industries, supports environmental sustainability, and benefits agricultural communities. Washington State is a global leader in tree fruit production, with more than 230,000 acres generating $7.5 billion annually.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of soil, plant, and agricultural scientist and extension specialist across the WSU and partner institutions engaged in research, teaching, and outreach to address the economic, regulatory, and environmental challenges faced by the tree fruit industry. This position complements five other priority areas supported by a $2 million endowment made possible by a historic $32 million investment from Washington's tree fruit producers. The endowment, overseed by an Endowed Advisory Commission (EAC), provides a generous annual support to the candidate's program, in addition to salary and operational support for five information technology transfer positions (ITTs), and funds for research orchards, facilities, and equipment. More information can be found here.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Endowed Chair in Soil Science for Tree Fruit Systems will address key challenges in Washington's tree fruit industry through research and extension grounded in soil sciences, including rhizosphere processes, soil microbiology, soil biochemistry and chemical ecology, nutrient cycling, soil-root-plant interactions, and their relation to orchard economic and environmental sustainability. The chair will lead a collaborative, systems-based program, working with scientist, extension specialist, ITT's and industry partners to generate knowledge, promote adoption, and demonstrate impact. Findings will be shared in formal and informal extension and outreach activities, presentations, scientific and grower-focused publications, and established extension platforms (e.g., WSU Tree Fruit webpage, Fruit Matters).

The candidate will pursue extramural funding to expand their program. WSU tree fruit faculty are encouraged to engage with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission who provides funds of approximately $2 million per year, to support competitive research and extension projects on essential aspects of tree fruit production. The chair will have the opportunity to participate in the Washington Soil Health Initiative and their Long-Term Agriculture Research and Extension (LTARE) sites, a unique network of six soil health LTAREs in Washington State funded by the Washington State Legislature.

The chair will support undergraduate and graduate students via guest lectures, teaching activities and graduate student mentorship.

The chair is expected to conduct an integrated and systems-based research and extension program consistent with the mission of the WSU Agricultural Research Centers and WSU Extension, and complement current WSU and United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) programs, such as the WSU Tree Fruit Decision Aid System (DAS), the WSU Agricultural Weather Network (AgWeatherNet), the Center for Precision & Automated Agricultural Systems (CPAAS), the Washington Soil Health Initiative (WaSHI) and the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR).

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Earned Ph.D. in soil science or closely related field at time of application. Applicants whose research complements soil or rhizosphere health in tree fruit systems, including related areas of soil biology, soil ecology, agroecosystems, or sustainable cropping systems, are encouraged to apply.
• Scholarly accomplishments in soil and rhizosphere ecology, or related, appropriate to the rank.

Additional requirements for Associate rank:

• Must have served at least 6 years in academic, industry or a federal lab after Ph.D.
• Must have experience in mentoring and leading funded research programs.

Additional requirements for Professor rank:

• Must have served at least 10 years in academic, industry or a federal lab after Ph.D.
• Must have experience in mentoring and leading funded research programs.
• Must be a recognized leader through national/international accomplishments and awards.

Preferred for all ranks:

• Ability to develop and lead a successful and collaborative research and Extension program in soil ecology.
• Track record of collaboration with industry to develop solutions to practical production challenges and knowledge gaps.
• Strong communication skills, with experience engaging both technical and nontechnical audiences through oral, written, and electronic formats.
• Knowledge and experience with current and emerging techniques in soil ecology and soil health research.
• Demonstrated record of acquiring extramural competitive funding.
• Experience working with in perennial systems, tree fruits and irrigated agriculture systems.
• Experience mentoring students or trainees.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Extension model and ability to document impact.