Cornell University, School of Integrative Plant Science – Section of Soil and Crop Sciences

Position ID:Cornell-School of Integrative Plant Science – Section of Soil and Crop Sciences-ASSTASSOCPROF [#20872, WDR-00029297]
Position Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Sustainable Weed Management
Position Type:Tenured/Tenure-track faculty
Position Location:Ithaca, New York 14853, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Weed Science
Appl Deadline:2022/03/04 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2021/12/23, finished 2023/01/19, listed until 2022/03/04)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Assistant or Associate Professor of Sustainable Weed Management
School of Integrative Plant Science
Soil and Crop Sciences Section
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Cornell University

Position: Assistant/Associate Professor (40% Extension / 60% Research); tenure track, academic year appointment (9-month)

Start Date: July 1, 2022, or as negotiated

Location: School of Integrative Plant Science, Soil and Crop Sciences Section, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Description: The School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Sustainable Weed Management in field crop systems. The incumbent will embrace innovative approaches to both applied research and extension to address emerging threats and strengthen agriculture in New York State. Using a systems approach that combines insights from field trials with landscape-scale observational studies, the incumbent will devise sustainable weed management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Responsibilities include devising integrated weed management strategies, with a specific emphasis on managing herbicide resistance, overcoming tradeoffs with sustainable intensification technologies such as reduced tillage, and adapting to a changing climate. Research will incorporate novel cultural, biological, physical, and chemical control practices that draw on advances in engineering, big data, digital agriculture, and genomics. Examples include weeding robots, thermal and electric weed control, harnessing fungi and bacteria to manage weeds, identifying synergies between new and existing control tactics, using cover crops for multifunctional weed control, enhancing crop competitiveness against weeds, and developing transgenic approaches that enable crops to access nutrients that are unavailable to weeds. Research may also focus on the ecosystem services provided by weeds, including soil carbon sequestration, water quality protection, and conservation of pollinators and other desirable wildlife, as well as metrics for valuing these services.

Commensurate with a 40% extension effort, the applicant is expected to be knowledgeable in current herbicide strategies and resistance issues, and knowledgeable in organic weed management to serve a rapidly expanding organic field crop community in New York State. The successful applicant will demonstrate the capacity for developing an impactful extension program focused on integrated weed management practices for New York grain and forage crop farmers that includes engagement with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the private sector. The established extension program will provide innovative recommendations, educational materials, and training activities focused on integrated weed management in both conventional and organic cropping systems. The agricultural community in New York State includes a rich diversity of farmers and service providers and thus the successful applicant is expected to have demonstrated capacity to serve a diverse set of stakeholders. 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to thrive in the highly collaborative environment of Cornell University, which includes a diverse population of faculty and students in the School of Integrative Plant Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences who are affiliated with the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell Initiative for Digital Agriculture, Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, and United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.

Qualifications: Ph.D. in Weed Science, Weed Ecology, Agronomy, or related discipline. The candidate must be able to thrive in a multidisciplinary and multicultural setting and participate in building and sustaining an inclusive environment for colleagues and stakeholders. Well-qualified applicants are expected to have a demonstrated record of innovative research, impactful publications, and ability to support their research program with external funding. Preferred qualifications include extension experience, inclusive leadership, ability to collaborate effectively, and ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders.

Salary and Benefits: A highly competitive salary, generous benefits package, and support for start-up research costs are provided.

Background: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty, and staff. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage and core values. In the School of Integrative Plant Science, we take pride in the ways in which our land grant mission calls us to address the needs of diverse stakeholders as well as our long tradition of international engagement. Within SIPS, we work to support underrepresented groups among faculty, staff, and students. Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment where individuals can bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to our collective task of finding science-based solutions to the world’s challenges. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and public engagement. We offer a rich array of services, programs, and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, and flexible work options.

Application Procedure: Submit your application to Academic Jobs Online, a cover letter summarizing your background, qualifications and interest in this position; a research statement describing research accomplishments and interests (3 pages maximum); an extension statement describing extension experience, philosophy, and interests (2 pages maximum); a Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement describing past contributions and future aspirations to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity at Cornell and with stakeholders (2 pages maximum); a detailed curriculum vitae; and the names and contact information of three or four references (letters will be requested for finalists after the applications are reviewed). Initial screening of applications will begin on March 4, 2022. Inquiries may be sent to Dr. Matthew Ryan, Search Chair (mryan@cornell.edu), or Amy Collins, Assistant to the Section Chair (acl10@cornell.edu).


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Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
  • Unique applicable skills.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
www.cornell.edu
email address
607/255-4964
 
Section of Soil and Crop Sciences
School of Integrative Plant Science
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853