Job Summary

Tenure-track Associate or Full Professor (9 months) position with research and teaching appointments to lead an international plant breeding and genetics program emphasizing sorghum crop improvement. Expectations for the position include 1) developing an extramurally-funded program focused on crop improvement to address global agricultural sustainability and food security challenges; 2) collaborating with the research community at Purdue University and other research institutions and the private sector to support crop improvement; 3) developing and releasing superior cultivars and/or contributing to pre-breeding efforts; 4) working with international collaborators including research fellows, interns, and visiting scholars to achieve program goals; and 5) developing high-quality graduate/postdoc educational programs in plant breeding and genetics. Teaching responsibilities will include instruction of an undergraduate and graduate-level course in plant genetics and breeding developed in consultation with the department head and curriculum committee.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science or other related fields. Candidates must have a strong academic record in plant breeding scholarship with wide experience in international research. The candidate must also demonstrate successes in teaching, teamwork, leadership, mentoring, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to eventually lead the Purdue University sorghum improvement program. This sorghum breeder will 1) direct an internationally recognized research program focused on crop improvement with an emphasis on international agriculture; 2)establish and maintain close working relationships with the private sector, commodity groups, state and federal agencies, and other organizations, including relevant international organizations, as appropriate; 3) teach graduate and undergraduate courses that may include a virtual format; 4) function as an active departmental and university faculty member; and 5) engage in national and international professional activities. The sorghum breeder is expected to establish and maintain close working relationships with the private sector, commodity groups, state and federal agencies, and other organizations as appropriate.

Candidate

The successful candidate will join a 31-member faculty in the Agronomy Department housed in Lilly Hall on the main campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. The Agronomy Department is an integral part of the College of Agriculture, ranked 4th in the U.S. and 8th in the world in the 2022 QS World University Rankings. The College of Agriculture is deeply committed to the three land-grant missions (teaching, research, and extension), to international activities and perspectives that span all missions, and to excellence in all we do. The College has 11 academic departments and includes 302 faculty, 2823 undergraduate students, and 689 graduate students. The College's current strategic plan can be accessed at https://ag.purdue.edu/about/strategic-plan.html.

Appointment and Salary

Associate or Full Professor (9-month; tenure-track). Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. A background check will be required for employment in this position.

Application

All materials must be combined into one pdf and submitted electronically via this site: https://careers.purdue.edu

Application materials must include:

• Cover letter that speaks to the candidate's qualifications for and interests in the position as described herein with contact information.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Diversity and inclusion statement explaining how the candidate's teaching, scholarship, and mentoring has helped or will help to foster and advance diversity in the department, college, and university.
• Statement of research interests and future research direction.
• Teaching statement.
• A list of three professional references with contact information.

Diversity

Purdue University's Agronomy Department is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including discovery, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in a separate Diversity and Inclusion Statement, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion. Purdue University, the College of Agriculture, and the Agronomy Department are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom.

Screening of applicants will begin on February 27, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information, contact Melinda Smith, smit2732@purdue.edu

EOE/AA Employer

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, are encouraged to apply.