POSITION DESCRIPTION:  The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Molecular Plant Breeding and Genomics. Our new colleague will develop an innovative research program centered around the intersection of plant breeding and systems-scale studies in plant biology. Scholars whose interests incorporate genome-scale approaches (e.g., genomic selection, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics) into plant breeding research and development, involving crops of current and future climatic importance to Kentucky, are especially encouraged to apply. This exciting opportunity will involve educating a new generation of plant breeders as well as contributing to the growing and vibrant area of systems plant biology. Our new colleague will creatively contribute to the instructional mission of the department by teaching in the Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology and Agricultural Ecosystem Sciences Undergraduate Programs, as well as the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences Graduate Program. As a land-grant university, service to department, college, university, professional society, and/or society at large is expected.

THE ENVIRONMENT: The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promiseof educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready. For more than 130 years, CAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high-tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development. We create a welcoming and inclusive environment that allows our faculty, staff, and students to reach their highest potential. We recognize people with diverse backgrounds and experiences are essential to decision making, problem solving, and innovation each and every day.

The University of Kentucky is a university with approximately 23,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. UK is Kentucky’s flagship university and a land grant institution. We have a university commitment to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond and that is why environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our institution’s legacy. We are recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Gold level Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists, and are recognized as a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Silver Rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The university is geographically near downtown Lexington, which offers the vibrancy of an urban location while being in close proximity to working landscapes and recognized wilderness areas. It is a thriving community of 300,000+ with a strong commitment to quality of life, education, and the arts. Lexington is in the Bluegrass Region, an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape and agricultural region.

QUESTIONS AND/OR NOMINATIONS TO:

Dr. Dave Van Sanford

Chair, Search Committee

327 Plant Science Building

1405 Veterans Drive

University of Kentucky

Lexington KY 40546-0312

Phone: 859-218-0770

Email: dvs@uky.edu

Web: http://pss.ca.uky.edu/person/david-vansanford 

APPLICATION: Completed applications should include a cover letter (details below), a current career CV, and concise statemements addressing all areas of the position’s anticipated responsibilites. In addition, names and contact information of three individuals from whom letters may be requested should be included in the application packet. Applications should be submitted by February 14, 2022 for full consideration while the position will remain open until filled.  Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. In your uploaded document please begin with a cover letter that outlines your approach to the position’s qualifications, responsibilities, and vision for innovative and impactful programs that address existing and emerging issues for a diverse and inclusive community, followed by the name, address, email, and phone number for three references, and conclude with career curriculum vita and relevant statements.

To apply for this position click on the quicklink:  https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/367042

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Click Apply for this Posting

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Complete the Employment Application and upload the required documents.

If you need assistance with the electronic application process, contact HR/ Employment, phone (859) 257-9555, press 2, or email ukjobs@email.uky.edu.

The University of Kentucky and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment of mutual respect where all members of our community are able to fully engage, belong, and succeed. We support and welcome applicants of all identities such as but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, perspectives, beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, religious belief, age, and, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity university. We encourage applications from women, minorities, and all interested and qualified people. The EEO Coordinator is Tim West, S-105 Agricultural Science North, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40546-0091.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to protect our university community including our students, staff, faculty and visitors, the University of Kentucky is requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all new hires prior to starting employment. Therefore, as of October 18, 2021, all new hires prior to their first day of employment must submit appropriate documentation showing, i) completion of the first vaccination against COVID-19, or ii) completion of the full vaccination series against COVID-19, or iii) approved exemption (medical contraindications or a sincerely held religious belief) through the formal exemption process from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. For those employees who have completed the first vaccination against COVID-19 prior to their first day of employment, the second vaccination (if applicable) must be completed following the vaccination recommended schedule to be considered fully vaccinated.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Applicants must have an earned doctorate in plant biology (broadly-defined), genetics, or related area. Post-doctoral or faculty experience in modern and classical plant breeding, as well as in aspects of genome-scale plant biology, is desirable. Previous evidence of both strong written and oral communication skills is required and it is expected that the incumbent will obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.