Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Assistant Professor – Small Scale/Sustainable Vegetable Production Horticulture in East Lansing, Michigan
Position Summary
The Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month tenure track Assistant Professor in small scale/sustainable vegetable production horticulture, with a 30% research, 40% teaching, and 30% Extension/outreach assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2024.
The incumbent will develop an extension and applied research program responsive to issues and opportunities facing small-scale vegetable producers and diversified farming operations in Michigan and beyond -- building collaboratively on MSU faculty strengths in plant nutrition, soil health management, sustainable weed and pest management, and community food systems -- to improve vegetable crop production, beginning and established farmer success, and environmental quality. The emphasis will be on development of sustainable approaches for small-scale intensive vegetable production systems with relevance to traditionally underserved, urban producers; as well as new and expanding organic producers in Michigan, the Midwest and nationally. Potential areas of research include but are not limited to: season extension strategies including protected (hoophouse or greenhouse) food and transplant production; advances in scale-appropriate production technologies; innovative crop rotation strategies; production-relevant plant/soil/microbe interactions in the rhizosphere or phyllosphere; production system impacts on food quality, security and human nutrition; and evaluation/selection of germplasm for organic production/markets. Research/extension relevant to international small-holder vegetable production is also encouraged.
In accomplishing the above, the successful candidate is expected to procure (collaboratively and/or as lead) extramural and intramural grant funding. Additional expectations include timely publishing in peer-reviewed and industry trade journals; mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; and participation in leadership activities in regional, national, and international professional associations. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations exist with faculty in allied programs, such as community sustainability and food systems, soil ecology and microbiology, plant pathology, entomology, nutrition, agricultural engineering, and international programs.
Instructional responsibilities will include teaching a required undergraduate course in Organic Farming Principles and Practices (HRT 251), additional classroom or online modules [e.g., Passive Solar Greenhouses for Protected Cultivation (HRT 242), Organic Transplant Production (HRT 243), Compost Production and Use (HRT 253)], and contributing to a graduate course/seminars within the successful candidate's area of expertise. In addition, the candidate will help supervise undergraduate internships of students in the Sustainable and Organic Production concentration of our Bachelor of Science in Horticulture degree and participate in relevant undergraduate and graduate program committees. Research in the scholarship of teaching and learning relevant to agricultural experiential education, as well as the College of Education and College of Natural Sciences, is also a potential focus depending upon the successful candidate's interest/expertise.
The successful candidate will work closely with our vegetable production Specialists and statewide Educator teams in MSU-Extension's Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute and MSUE's Community, Food and Environment Institute. The successful candidate will help in disseminating information to small-scale sustainable stakeholders through industry and community partnerships at the state, as well as national, level. Additionally, helping to develop and strengthen ties with farmers, grower organizations, existing/allied small farm outreach and experiential learning programs at MSU and beyond will be valuable contributions.