Assistant Professor - Post-Harvest Processing

University of Arkansas
United States, Arkansas, Harrisburg
Sep 06, 2024
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Closing Date: Type of Position:Faculty - Non-Tenure Workstudy Position: No Job Type:Regular Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at compliance@uada.edu. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820. Department:CES \| Bio and Agricultural Engineering * Department Head Department's Website: uada.edu Summary of Job Duties:The University of Arkansas Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering is seeking applicants for an extension assistant professor position in Post-Harvest Processing. This 12-month position will involve 60% research and 40% extension in the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's (UADA) Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service . This faculty member will partner with other faculty members across the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas- Fayetteville campus, state and national partners, and stakeholders on local-to-global challenges in Biological Engineering. This position will focus on advancing technologies in post-harvest handling of key agronomic and horticultural products relevant to Arkansas. This role will ensure that Arkansas' producers, processors, and stakeholders are trained and educated in the latest technologies available to preserve and enhance the value of these key agricultural products. The position will be located at the brand-new Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg, AR (near Jonesboro), and the incumbent will have access to state-of-the-art facilities there. Under special circumstances, the position could be located in Stuttgart or Little Rock, AR. Essential Job Duties: * Develop an innovative extension program for handling and preserving agricultural and food products produced in Arkansas, with a key emphasis on the rice industry. * Conduct research aligned with their extension program and in conjunction with UADA Cooperative Extension Service (CES) priorities. * Seek external funding to sustainably support extension-relevant projects that support graduate students and expand the impact and reach of their extension program. * Build strong relationships with collaborators within the UADA Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and UADA CES, University of Arkansas Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Arkansas Rice Processing Program, and with stakeholders across the industry. * Integrate county agents into extension efforts and activities; including timely response to agent questions, development of effective training programs for agents, and an applied research program to support county extension efforts. * Engage in service to the Department, UADA, and profession. We seek candidates motivated to contribute to a collegial, interdisciplinary community with a strong tradition of addressing the University of Arkansas' triple missions of learning, discovery, and engagement. Duties will include developing a nationally recognized research program, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in general engineering and the instructor's area of focus, contributing service to the profession and community, and mentoring graduate students The faculty member will actively seek project support to leverage existing areas of expertise within the University of Arkansas system to promote their program. Qualifications: Required Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in Biological Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or its equivalent, with at least one degree in engineering. Ability and desire to develop and conduct an effective extension and education program in cooperation with faculty, staff, and industry A strong commitment to extension, academic, and research excellence. Ability to communicate in English effectively, both orally and in writing, using innovative technology transfer techniques. Potential to attract and secure funding for proposed scholarly and extension work from federal agencies and other sources. Ability to develop and maintain contacts with relevant state, county, and municipal agencies and departments. Willingness to drive extended distances statewide. Ability to apply professional scheduling, including the delivery of evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by programmatic and collaboration needs. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in rice processing and understanding of key needs in the industry. Post-doctoral experience in post-harvest engineering Knowledge of the Land Grant Mission and the role of Extension. Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in non-formal settings, including but not limited to demonstrations, workshops, and public events. Evidence of effectively working in multi/trans-disciplinary groups or consortia between academia and outside stakeholders. Involvement in professional societies or other entities related to the discipline. Mentorship experience with undergraduate or graduate students. Experience securing or competing for external funding. Eligibility to become a licensed professional engineer. Additional Information: For assistance with the application, email humanresources@uada.edu Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details) Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants:Provide a one-page statement on your philosophy and approach to extension as it relates to this position. Provide a one-page statement on your philosophy and approach to research as it relates to this position. Recruitment Contact Information: Terry A. Howell Jr. Professor and Department Head tahowell@uark.edu All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements:No Background Check Required The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity:Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking Frequent Physical Activity:Balancing, Crawling, Crouching, Grasping, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping Occasional Physical Activity:N/A Benefits Eligible:Yes