Assistant/Associate Professor
Grapevine Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics
Position: Assistant/Associate Professor; Horticulture; tenure track, academic year appointment (9-month)
Start Date: July 2023 or as negotiated
Location: School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY
Position description:
The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University invites applications for a tenure track professorial position (70% Research: 30% Extension) in Horticulture, with emphasis on Grapevine Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics. A variety of research methods may be employed to address the complexity of grapevine genetics and environmental interactions focusing on the development of cultivars adapted to production in cool and cold climates and with reduced chemical inputs. The incumbent will have the unique opportunity to utilize our established and active grape breeding program and recent advances in genetics, genomics, phenomics, bioinformatics, and data management to further the science of grapevine improvement. Located in the world-renowned Finger Lakes wine region, Cornell AgriTech is a nexus for translational research, where opportunity abounds for collaboration on the utilization of germplasm, fruit and wine quality improvement, bioinformatics tools, abiotic and biotic stress resistance, and related topics. Research areas may include but are not limited to the genetics and genomics of biotic and abiotic stress resistance, fruit quality traits, vine architecture, crop load/yield, fruit ripening and other traits related to wine and fresh market grapevine improvement. This position will be one of the first to benefit from the new, state-of-the-art USDA-ARS National Grape Improvement Laboratory under development at AgriTech that will support important breakthroughs arising from research collaborations among the USDA scientists, Cornell scientists and others to benefit the wine and grape industries. The faculty member will also have the opportunity to be a part of the strategic vision for the future of CALS as the college executes a dynamic plan for Transdisciplinary Moonshot initiatives for cohort-based hirings to guide strategic research and collaboration into the future.
The faculty member will contribute to our culture of academic service and join a dynamic faculty to recruit and mentor a diverse team of graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and visiting scientists in an inclusive and equitable advising environment. They will develop and lead an externally funded, nationally and internationally recognized research program in support of the grape industries across New York State. Through an active research program, the faculty member will strengthen Cornell’s position as a global leader in grapevine genetics, genomics, and cultivar development, contribute to improving farm sustainability and resilience to climate change, and support the economic growth of grape related enterprises in New York and beyond.
The faculty member will develop a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable outreach program with a national reach to deliver implementable actions to the viticulture and enology industry and related audiences to optimize production of cultivars suited to cool and cold climate regions. Extension efforts will include education of policy makers and industry stakeholders on the use of genetics as a tool to enhance farm sustainability and profitability and organizing and delivering resources and expertise regarding grape cultivar characteristics and best practices to growers. The faculty member will drive successful partnerships to support programmatic goals, such as with colleagues based in the
Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture (CIDA), the
Cornell Climate Smart Farming program, and
Cornell Cooperative Extension regarding grape cultivars and potential for production in cool and cold climate viticulture. The faculty member will liaise with the Viticulture and Enology Program Work Team and regional extension teams to deliver successful programming to appropriate audiences.
Cornell, CALS, SIPS and AgriTech partner to actively advance diversity, equity and inclusion holistically, including through our research and extension programs and recruitment. Evidence of a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion through research, teaching, and/or service will be essential for success, as the faculty member will provide leadership across many diverse audiences, including students, faculty colleagues, and external stakeholders in industry and government. To learn more about Cornell’s and CALS’ DEI commitment to creating an inclusive culture of belonging, please visit (
https://diversity.cornell.edu/belonging) and (
https://cals.cornell.edu/diversity-inclusion).
Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Physiology/Biology, or related disciplines is required, as is demonstrated potential to excel in the research and extension activities described above, excellence in communication and collaboration across a variety of audiences, and the ability to contribute to a culture of inclusive excellence through leadership and delivery of inclusive research and extension programs.
Salary and Benefits: Salary is competitive and commensurate with background and experience. An attractive fringe benefits package is provided. Learn more about the many benefits Cornell offers:
https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/benefits-snapshot.
Application procedure: Submit as a single PDF file to Academic Jobs Online (
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/23931) a cover letter summarizing your background and qualifications (2 pages maximum), a statement of research accomplishments and interests (2 pages maximum); a statement describing your extension experience and/or philosophy and interests (2 pages maximum);
a statement of diversity, equity, inclusion (2 pages maximum); a detailed curriculum vitae; and the names and contact information of four references (letters will be requested after the applications are reviewed). The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who through their work will contribute to the diversity, inclusivity, equity, and excellence of the community.
Inquiries may be sent to Prof. Courtney Weber, search chair (
caw34@cornell.edu). Initial screening of applications will begin February 6, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.
Who We Are: The new faculty member will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the Cornell AgriTech campus in Geneva, New York, the gateway to the Finger Lakes American Viticulture Area that includes over 11,000 acres of vineyards and more than 100 wineries and has been gaining recognition for both its wine quality and quality of life. Just one hour from the Ithaca campus, Cornell AgriTech is reimagining the future of food and agriculture systems through innovative research, technology, and education to improve the health of the people, environment, and economy of New York State and beyond. The campus in Geneva is also home to New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture, the NYS IPM Program, two USDA Agricultural Research Service units (Plant Genetic Resources Unit and Grape Genetics Research Unit), the Produce Safety Alliance and the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University, which are integral to the commitment Cornell has made to a robust agricultural industry in New York. Adjacent to the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park - the Finger Lakes Region’s premier destination for food, beverage, and ag tech innovation, acceleration, and incubation - the opportunities for innovation, collaboration and impact are boundless.
The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) includes internationally renowned faculty with abundant collaborations and active teaching, research, and extension programs, and provides a unifying framework for the sections of Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil & Crop Sciences. The sections are associated with distinct disciplines and graduate fields and are increasingly connected by urgent challenges and revolutionary tools relevant to all plant scientists. The Horticulture Section is a vibrant part of SIPS. Members of the section focus on specialty crops and enjoy close collaborations with local USDA Agricultural Research Service geneticists, pathologists, and germplasm curators, as well as colleagues around the world. The section has a strong extension tradition and works closely with professionals of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
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.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff imparts an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contributes creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. 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. Cornell actively seeks to meet the needs of dual-career couples with its Dual Career program and membership in the
Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, that assists with dual career searches. Cornell and Geneva are family-friendly communities: Cornell offers 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. For more details, see:
Family Life Resources for Faculty.
Employment Assistance: If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at voice (607) 255-3976, fax (607) 255-7481, or email at
owdi@cornell.edu. For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.
Please read the required
Notice to Applicants, which contains essential information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
Cornell University embraces diversity in all its forms. Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We're an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.
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.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
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 from 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.