Assistant Professor- Tenure Track- Vegetable Crop Physiology- School of Integrative Plant Science- CALS

VegetableCropPhysiology

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 Vegetable Crop Physiology at the Assistant Professor level. This position has been developed to strengthen the core discipline of horticultural science in CALS and create significant synergy with existing programs in plant genetics, genomics, breeding, and outreach to advance both research and teaching in horticultural specialty crops in CALS and develop strategies for efficient and sustainable crop production to promote food security while stewarding environmental resources in a changing climate.

We are seeking a candidate who will develop innovative research and teaching programs in vegetable crop physiology to advance the development of climate-resilient vegetable crops, and management strategies that sustain vegetable crop production with significant economic impact in New York State and beyond. Understanding developmental, metabolic and transport processes of vegetable crops and their responses to a changing climate is essential for sustaining crop production. The successful candidate willadopt and develop novel approaches to understandingvegetable crop growth and reproduction, metabolism, and transport processes associated with yield and quality (nutrition and flavor), and their responses toenvironmental factors (light, temperature, CO2, water, the soil microbiome, and mineral nutrients) and management practices.They will also be expected to develop an internationally recognized program that advances knowledge of developmental and environmental physiology to maximize vegetable crop productivity and resilience, while ensuring environmental sustainability. The successful candidate will collaborate with other Cornell faculty, Cornell Cooperative Extension specialists, and the vegetable crop industry 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.

Expectations of this position include inclusive teaching, advising and mentoring of students, as well as engagement in service and stewardship activities within the school, the college and university, and relevant professional societies.A mentoring program will aid the personal and professional development of the new faculty member, providing advocacy, guidance, and assistance.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 in vegetable crop physiology is expected. The candidate will develop an internationally recognized program in the field through successful grant writing and scholarly publishing. Contribution to the development of interdisciplinary team-based research and training programs is expected.

Teaching (40%).The candidate will develop undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise.Expectations for teaching at the 40% level typically include teaching 6-8 credits annually.The teaching responsibility could include, but is not limited to, vegetable crop production, introductory agroecology, and co-teaching a course in plant nutrition and nutrient management with other faculty in the plant sciences.

Qualifications:A Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Physiology, or related disciplines. 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. Preferred qualifications include postdoctoral research experience, the aptitude to work as part of a team, and the skills needed to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and broader audiences.

Affiliation:The successful candidate will be a faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, based in SIPS on Cornell's main campus in Ithaca, NY. They will select one of the five sections of SIPS as the tenure home and primary academic affiliation. A mentoring program will support the personal and professional development of the new faculty member, providing advocacy, guidance, and assistance.

Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 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, andthe 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)astatement 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, and8) academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Materials should be submitted online tohttps://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29207.Applications received by February 28,2025, will be given full consideration.Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Search chair: Professor Lailiang Cheng

School of Integrative Plant Science

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14853

Email:lc89@cornell.edu

CALS hiring range for position:

Assistant Professor:$90,000 - $130,000

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 theUpstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortiumto assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League andLand-grantuniversity 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.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions emailmycareer@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 atequity@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 emailingmycareer@cornell.edu.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement byclicking 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.