The Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota seeks
applicants to fill a tenure-track, assistant or associate professor
position. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong
interdisciplinary, internationally-recognized, extramurally-funded research
program focusing on the genetics/genomics/breeding of the cultivated potato
(Solanum tuberosum) and its close relatives.
*About the Department of Horticultural Science*
The University of Minnesota is a preeminent land-grant research and
teaching institution in a major urban area with a large and diverse student
body and recognized excellence in agricultural research. The Department of
Horticultural Science is a nationally recognized department offering highly
ranked programs of study at the undergraduate, Master of Science, Master of
Professional Studies, and PhD levels. The Department has many distinguished
faculty who have won numerous University, national and international awards
for quality teaching, outreach, and published research. The faculty work in
a variety of fields including plant breeding, molecular genetics, plant
metabolomics, plant stress biology, plant hardiness, postharvest
physiology, agroecology, and organic horticulture.
The University of Minnesota has centralized analytical services including,
among others, the Genomics Center, Center for Mass Spectrometry and
Proteomics, University Imaging Centers, and the Minnesota Supercomputer
Institute. The Department maintains shared instrumentation for microscopy,
qRT-PCR, tissue culture, plant growth and field facilities. In addition,
the Department is home to a well-equipped modern facility for Plant
Metabolomics and related technologies. The Department has a strong faculty
commitment to modern plant breeding and genetics of diverse horticultural
species. The University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station
maintains multiple Research and Outreach Centers throughout the state for
use by researchers.
*Duties and responsibilities*
Research (75%)
Research priorities for this position include next generation genetic
improvement of the cultivated potato with coordinated efforts to understand
the genetic basis for complex agricultural and quality traits of the potato
at the molecular and genomic levels; exploring the structure, function and
natural diversity of genomes; and creation of new and novel breeding
systems that lead to development and commercialization of new cultivars.
Essential to this position will be development of collaborative research
projects with University of Minnesota researchers and regional plant
breeding programs focused on potato with the expectation of developing an
awareness of industry needs. The individual will be expected to publish
regularly in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline and to
compete successfully for external funding to support their program.
Teaching (25%)
The successful candidate is expected to have a strong commitment to
undergraduate and graduate education, teach coursework in horticulture, and
contribute to the department through service on assigned committees. The
individual in this position will be expected to teach one course each year
in compliance with the College's policy on teaching workload in the
Department of Horticultural Science. Additionally, there is an expectation
of participation in professional development opportunities supporting
teaching and advising. This position is also expected to provide academic
mentoring for undergraduate and graduate students in Horticultural Science.
*Qualifications*
Minimum:
● Ph.D. or equivalent in a plant science/breeding, molecular
genetics/genomics or related field;
● Experience with modern genetic techniques
● Evidence of scholarly productivity and creativity, such as refereed
publications, presentations in professional societies, etc.
Desired:
● Ability to integrate basic and applied research
● Previous substantive contribution to cultivar development and release
● Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication
● Evidence of interest and ability to form collaborative partnerships -
within and across university disciplines, across national/international
institutions, and with private industry
● Evidence of teaching effectiveness
● Evidence of excellence in teaching scholarship
● Evidence of ability and willingness to effectively teach and mentor
students from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds at the
undergraduate and/or graduate level
● Evidence of ability to secure extramural funding from public and/or
private sources
*Diversity*
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and
inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in
supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting
and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its
programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public
assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:
http://diversity.umn.edu.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail
employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
*Background Check Information*
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a
background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are
eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify
finalists from employment.
*Application Process:*
Applications must be submitted online through employment.umn.edu (Search
Job Opening 313229, follow application instructions, and attach materials
below in online application system). Complete applications must include:
● A cover letter including a general statement of interest in the position
● A statement of research goals and interests
● A statement of teaching goals and interests
● Detailed curriculum vitae with publication list
● Contact information for three references
*Review of applications will start on November 1, but the position will
remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be considered.*
Please note that during the interview process, applicants will be asked to
describe their commitment, experience and approach to teaching and working
with students, colleagues and constituents from diverse and
underrepresented populations.