Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology/Row Crops and Pecans

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology/Row Crops and Pecans

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or University System of Georgia policy.

JOB SUMMARY:

The College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology (CAFST) seeks an energetic and student-focused faculty member with expertise in Plant Pathology for a 12-month research appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. This is a hybrid position with appointment in Departments of Agricultural Research (75%) and Agricultural Sciences (25% instruction).

The incumbent will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Plant Science and Plant Pathology as determined by departmental needs. The faculty members will also play a key role in collaboratively reimagining existing plant science courses with faculty in both content and scope to ensure alignment with external stakeholders. Specific teaching assignments will be assigned by the Department Chair.

The selected candidate will advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, support relevant student organizations and assist with the recruitment of students interested in plant sciences/plant pathology and related fields

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a robust field-based research program which addresses diseases in economically important row crops, peaches, and pecans in Georgia. The faculty member is expected to establish relationships with stakeholders in Middle Georgia and develop an extramurally funded research program to address their needs, with a focus on developing strategies for reducing crop losses to disease. The research program must have a primary emphasis on agronomic field research evaluating management strategies that can readily implemented by producers, with a focus on major crops grown in Middle Georgia including cotton, peanut, blueberries, pecans and others. Responsibilities will include securing extramural funding to conduct field research that addresses economically important disease problems in the region; hiring and supervision of staff to initiate and complete studies; leading field research and associated data collection and analysis; disseminating results to farmers, crop advisors, agronomists and other stakeholders in the FVSU Cooperative Extension Service. collaborate with colleagues and agents in the Cooperative Extension at FVSU.

Exposure to pesticides and chemicals is possible with this position. Candidates must obtain pesticide certification and wear prescribed PPE.

As part of CAFST's commitment to developing and strengthening the plant science programs, the successful candidate will have access to start-up funds contingent upon submission of a competitive research plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and deliver high quality instruction in undergraduate and graduate courses in Plant Science utilizing modern instructional approaches.
• Design, prepare, and supervise student laboratory and experiential learning activities.
• Utilize internal learning platforms (e.g. Desire2Learn (D2L) and other instructional technologies to deliver course materials and engage students.
• Develop course objectives, assignments, and effective methods for assessing student learning outcomes.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback on student work.
• Engage undergraduate level students in research and experiential learning opportunities.
• Develop and sustain a robust field-based competitive research program in Plant Pathology which addresses Middle Georgia priorities.
• Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in research.
• Establish collaborative relationships with industry partners, stakeholders and institutions within the University System of Georgia that maintain programs in Plant Pathology.
• Secure extramural funding through competitive grants and collaborative partnerships.
• Provide service to professional organizations, the college, university and broader community
• Collaborate with our Cooperative Extension service to support poultry producers in Middle Georgia
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology.
• Demonstrated expertise in crop production systems and potential to develop a productive and high-quality research program.
• Field research experience with plant diseases.
• Knowledge of emerging research priorities relevant to Georgia agriculture
• Evidence of innovative instructional pedagogy including familiarity with AI-assisted education and research technologies.
• Ability to create inclusive, effective learning environments that support student success.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in teaching, research and extension settings.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated potential to secure external research funding.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to publish research in journals appropriate to the position
• Demonstrated ability to secure competitive funding
• Mentoring experience with research staff or students
• Experience managing research budgets and field operations.
• Ability to conduct research and communicate results to Cooperative Extension agents.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge of IPM and Biological Control
• Experience collaborating with industry, producers and Extension personnel

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• A letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the position.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• At least 3 references with full contact information including emails. References will not be contacted without consent from applicants.
• Additional information may be requested upon receipt of the application.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.