Cornell University, School of Integrative Plant Science – Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology - Geneva
*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Faculty
Position Available
Cohort Hire: Revolutionizing
Controlled Environment Agriculture
Focus: Plant Pathology
School of Integrative Plant
Science, Cornell University
Position: Assistant Professor,
Tenure-track
Location: Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY 14456.
The academic home for this position is in the School of Integrative Plant
Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on both
the Ithaca and Geneva campuses of Cornell University
The
School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and
Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University invites applications for a
tenure-track position in Plant Pathology (Controlled Environment Agriculture; CEA)
at the Assistant Professor level. Our new colleague will join a Cohort Faculty
Hire in Revolutionizing Controlled
Environment Agriculture.
The CALS
Roadmap to 2050 identified Transdisciplinary Moonshots - opportunities
for the CALS community to collaborate on future-focused, cross-disciplinary
scientific breakthroughs and to align research, education, and extension
programs for greater impact and stronger connectivity. The Moonshot areas build
upon core strengths in CALS, spanning the agricultural, life, environmental and
social sciences, with the goal of recruiting 27 faculty into college over the
next three years. This cohort will advance the CALS Transdisciplinary Moonshot in Revolutionizing Controlled Environment Agriculture. In addition to this advertised hire, the cohort will include an insect ecologist, a CEA engineer, a food systems economist,
and a specialty crop physiologist. The new faculty hires will play an integral
role in the design of a planned CALS investment in new CEA facilities.
Research
in the Revolutionizing Controlled Environmental Agriculture cohort
will be guided by the goal to develop productive and sustainable CEA systems
that are energy and resource efficient, resistant to biotic and abiotic
stressors, and responsive to changing demographics and food markets. Current
production of specialty crops is challenged by a myriad of factors which are
amplified by extreme and erratic climatic events that devastate crops and favor
the establishment of invasive pests and diseases. CEA is an emerging approach
to address climate change and other challenges for crop production. CEA
systems, ranging from partially to fully enclosed facilities, have the
potential to provide an extended and more stable environment for food
production with enhanced protection against extreme weather events, food-borne
pathogens, and invasive pests and diseases. These systems create opportunities for
streamlining farm labor and advancing production techniques using artificial
intelligence and robotics. CEA systems will also help to stabilize supply-chain
issues and export market timing, thus expanding market potential and
opportunities to provide more equitable access to food.
The
successful candidate will be physically located at Cornell’s
AgriTech
campus in Geneva, NY. Cornell AgriTech is a
preeminent center for agriculture and food research that delivers practical
solutions to help farmers and businesses thrive. Effective disease
management is a requisite for
high-quality production of specialty crops in a CEA environment. We are seeking
a candidate who will develop an innovative research and teaching program in
plant pathology and plant-microbe biology with a focus on CEA. The successful
candidate will develop an externally funded research program that applies
advanced information surrounding plant diseases and pathogens affecting the
production of specialty crops in CEA. Research should address the underlying
drivers of disease epidemiology and prediction, pathogen and population
biology, and disease management. The candidate
is expected to translate basic discoveries into applications with the goal of
improving the management of diseases affecting CEA. The candidate will
be expected to collaborate with members of other disciplines in SIPS as well as
within and outside of CALS and at Cornell to identify integrated strategies to
improve disease management. The candidate will also contribute to the missions
of CALS and AgriTech to foster sustainable agricultural practices in specialty
crops in CEA. The candidate is expected to secure funding from sources that
include federal agencies, foundations, the private sector, and agricultural
interest groups.
The candidate will also engage in inclusive advising
and mentoring of students. Candidates are also expected to engage in service
and stewardship activities within the school, the college and university, and
relevant professional societies. We welcome candidates who comprehend the
barriers facing women and other marginalized identities who are
underrepresented in the classroom and in higher education careers (as evidenced
by life experiences and educational background), and who have experience in
supporting diverse communities with respect to teaching, mentoring, research,
outreach, life experiences, or service towards building an equitable and
diverse scholarly environment.
Responsibilities:
This
position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% teaching.
Research (60%). Outstanding research
scholarship is expected in plant pathogens and diseases affecting specialty
crop CEA. The candidate will develop an internationally recognized program in
CEA through a well-funded program. Excellence in and devotion to development of
multidisciplinary team-based research and training programs is essential.
Teaching
(40%). The candidate will develop undergraduate or
graduate courses in their area of expertise. The teaching responsibility could
include existing core courses, or a newly designed course providing expertise
in specific plant pathogen groups or practical field plant pathology and
disease management. Teaching will be conducted both at the Ithaca and AgriTech campuses.
Qualifications: The successful candidate
will have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related disciplines with a working knowledge
of plant disease management. An obligation to research and teaching in the SIPS
and to the development of multidisciplinary team-based research and teaching
programs with a collegial atmosphere is essential. Well-qualified applicants
are expected to have a demonstrated record of publication excellence. Preferred
qualifications include postdoctoral experience, the aptitude to work as part of
a team, and the skills needed to communicate effectively with students,
colleagues, and broader audiences. Having specific experience working in CEA is
not a requirement to apply for this position.
Affiliation:
The successful
candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in the School of
Integrative Plant Science with the option to join one of the two SIPS sections
on the AgriTech campus.
This hire will be
based in the collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the Cornell AgriTech
campus in Geneva, New York. The new faculty member will also be part of the CEA
Initiative at Cornell as a member of the cohort of faculty hires focusing on
Advancing Controlled Environment Agriculture to Revolutionize the Future of
Specialty Food Crops. Cornell
is an innovative Ivy League institution and an exciting work environment. Our
inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of
larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further Cornell’s mission of
teaching, discovery, and engagement. A mentoring program will aid the personal
and professional development of the new faculty member, providing advocacy,
guidance, and assistance. The ideal candidate will thrive in this highly collegial
and interactive environment of Cornell, which includes diverse faculty and
vibrant graduate programs affiliated with SIPS. SIPS and CALS at Cornell
embrace diversity and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts
students of all races, nationalities, and genders. 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.
Applications and Starting Date:
The anticipated starting date is Summer 2024, or as negotiated. Qualified applicants
should submit their application as a single PDF file for each section including: 1) a cover
letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the
position; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a research statement outlining experience,
interests, and goals (4 page maximum); 4) a teaching statement outlining
experience, interests, and goals (2 page maximum); 5) a statement
supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or
the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials)
outlining how, through research, teaching, service. mentoring, extension,
and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s
historical mission of “any person … any study”; 6) copies of no more
than four relevant publications; 7) names and contact information of four
references (letters will be requested after the applications are reviewed); and
8) academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable).
Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26363.
Applications received by February 1, 2024,
will be given full consideration.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Inquiries
may be directed to:
Search
chair: Sarah Pethybridge
School
of Integrative Plant Science
Cornell
University
Geneva,
NY 14456
Email:
sjp277@cornell.edu
CALS hiring range for position:
Assistant Professor: $79,400
- $135,000
The
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is
engaged in pioneering pursuit of inclusive, purpose-driven science. As Cornell’s
second largest college, with discovery for impact at its core, we work across
disciplines to tackle the obstacles of our time through equitable,
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. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of
people, their environments, and their communities both in New York state and
around the world.
Cornell
seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and
is a member of the Upstate New York
Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in
higher education in the upstate New York area.
Cornell
is an Ivy League and Land-grant institution and a great place to work. Our
inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense
of larger purpose and contribute ideas to further Cornell’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
University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a
climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and
backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or
marginalized identities to apply.
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.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
- Upload a stand-alone Statement Supporting Diverse Communities (preferred) or upload the Application Materials that include the embedded info
- Four copies of no more than 4 relevant publications
- academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
- Four references (actual letters acceptable but not required, just names and email addresses )
Further Info:
Attn: Sarah Pethybridge
15 Castle Creek Drive
Geneva, NY 14456