Faculty Position Available
Cohort Hire: Revolutionizing Controlled Environment Agriculture

Focus: Crop Physiology

School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University

Position:            Assistant Professor, Tenure-track

Location:           Ithaca, NY. The academic home for this position is the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus 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 Crop Physiology (Controlled Environment Agriculture; CEA) at the Assistant Professor level. Our new colleague will join a Cohort Faculty Hire in Revolutionizing Controlled Environment Agriculture. In addition to this advertised hire, the cohort will include an insect ecologist, a plant pathologist, a CEA engineer, and a food systems economist. The new faculty hires will play an integral role in the design of a planned CALS investment in new CEA facilities.

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 the college over the next three years.

The Revolutionizing Controlled Environmental Agriculture cohort will 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 expanding 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 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.

We are seeking a candidate who will develop an innovative research and teaching program in crop physiology of food and medicinal specialty crops adapted for controlled environments with economic impact in New York State and beyond. The successful candidate will use novel methodologies, digital tools, and sensors to understand and optimize CEA crop physiology and quality in response to environmental factors towards efficient and sustainable production. CEA systems, such as greenhouses and high tunnels, can offer year-round production and season-extension of high nutrient density fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Controlled environments are also particularly appropriate for nutraceutical or pharmaceutical grade plant products. New crops and changing production technologies are constantly envisioned for CEA and are limited, in part, by cultural management knowledge, productivity, and market demand. The faculty member will develop a nationally/internationally recognized program on production strategies and environmental physiology to maximize crop productivity, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency. Research opportunities include, but not are limited to, strategies to improve nutritional quality or shelf-life, emphasis on plant secondary metabolism and analytical chemistry within the context of specialty crops, high-throughput phenotyping and crop modeling, energy efficient crop production and CEA systems energy modeling, and development of new crop and management protocols. The successful candidate will work closely with CEA producers, Cornell faculty, and Cornell Cooperative Extension specialists to prioritize research needs and translate results to drive a more profitable and resource-efficient industry resulting in healthier individuals and communities. 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 teaching, 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 with diverse life experiences and educational backgrounds who understand the barriers facing traditionally underserved communities who are underrepresented in the classroom and in higher education careers. We also welcome candidates who have experience in supporting diverse communities with respect to teaching, mentoring, research, outreach, or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

Responsibilities:

This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% teaching. Service and advising is an expectation within these effort allocations.

Research (60%). Outstanding research scholarship is expected in crop physiology of specialty crop CEA. The candidate will develop an internationally recognized program in CEA through successful grant writing and professional research reporting. Excellence in and devotion to development of interdisciplinary team-based research and training programs is essential.

Teaching (40%).  The candidate will develop undergraduate or graduate courses in their area of expertise. Expectations for teaching at the 40% level typically include teaching 6-7 credits annually. The teaching responsibility could include, but are not limited to, plant physiology of CEA crops, climate control in CEA, or co-teaching a course with the new CEA cohort such as integrated management of biotic and abiotic factors, or advanced CEA systems integrating horticulture, IPM, economics, and engineering.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Horticulture, the Plant Sciences, or related disciplines with knowledge of CEA crop physiology. A commitment to research and teaching in SIPS and to the development of interdisciplinary team-based research and teaching programs with a collegial atmosphere is essential. Well-qualified applicants are expected to have a demonstrated record of publication and teaching excellence. Preferred qualifications include postdoctoral or industry experience in CEA, the aptitude to work as part of a team, and the skills needed to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and broader audiences. Previous 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 based in the School of Integrative Plant Science. 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 with 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 the 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. The position qualifies for visa sponsorship and international scientists are encouraged to apply.

Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is Summer 2025, or as negotiated.  Qualified applicants should submit their application as a single PDF file including: 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position as well as addressing leadership in collaboration, team efforts, and the experience needed to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and broader audiences; 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, 2 page maximum) 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 later after initial review from select applications using Academic Jobs Online); and 8) academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Materials should be submitted online to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27731. Applications received by September 5, 2024, will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Search chair: Professor Neil Mattson

School of Integrative Plant Science

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14853

Email: nsm47@cornell.edu

CALS hiring range for position:

Assistant Professor: $79,400 - $135,000

Cornell University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Support for start-up costs will be available. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. 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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell University 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 University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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 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.

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 strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.