The Division of Plant Science and Technology in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU) is recruiting an Assistant Research Professor and State Extension Specialist in forage crop production, utilization, management, sustainability, and economic topics related to pastures, annual and perennial forages.  This is a 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position, with an appointment of 60% research and 40% extension, that will be located at the Northern Missouri Research, Extension, and Education Center’s Cornett Farm near Linneus, MO.

Responsibilities: We are looking for a candidate interested in applying their skills to study the opportunities and challenges of regenerative and productive forage-livestock systems in Missouri. The successful candidate is expected to develop and implement a research and extension program that will support one of the largest beef herds in the U.S. in addition to other forage-based livestock operations. This position will conduct research in forage crops and provide expertise to support collaborative research across disciplines.  The position will focus on issues that increase the profitability and sustainability of forages and forage based grazing systems. Extension responsibilities will include statewide program leadership with the expectation of collaborative work with other state specialists, regional extension field specialists and producers. MU Extension expects all State Specialists to develop a collaborative, dynamic and impactful Extension education program that serves the needs of Missourians. More about the expectations, roles and responsibilities of State Extension Specialists can be found at this link (Role and Responsibilities of State Specialists). The faculty member will develop an externally funded research program that generates new knowledge and sustainable approaches to manage forage crops. Consequently, there is an explicit expectation that the faculty member will demonstrate excellence in grantsmanship and timely communication of scholarship and research findings via peer-reviewed journal articles, professional meetings, and disseminate knowledge to stakeholders through extension activities. The successful applicant must have good written and verbal communication skills and other abilities necessary to develop an impactful and innovative extension program. Information will be transferred to the producers, Extension faculty, and industry by delivering oral, video, on-line, and written presentations as appropriate. Responsibilities will also include working collaboratively with other faculty members to provide in-service education opportunities for extension specialists. They will be expected to work as part of a collaborative team of faculty members in areas that include agronomy, animal science, economics, rural sociology, plant pathology, entomology, plant physiology, weed science, soil science and others, as appropriate.  The successful candidate will work with allied organizations such as USDA-ARS, private industry, commodity organizations and other state and national partners. Service to the Division, College and University is expected. The training of graduate students and post-doctoral researchers is essential to the research and education related activities of this position.

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in agronomy, range science, crop science or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on:  Experience in applied research in forages and research related to forage-livestock systems Effective oral and written communications skills. Support of the mission of the Land-Grant system and an interest and ability to work in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment. Previous experience in extension program development and stakeholder interactions, experience with forage-livestock systems, securing extramural funding, and experience conducting applied research.  Finally, evidence of collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork along with an ability to publish research applicable to both the scientific community and outreach clientele.

Salary and Benefits:  Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.

Information about the Program, Campus, and Community: The Plant Science and Technology Division includes a diverse group of approximately 50 faculty, including a strong agriculture extension program that works with dozens of agronomic and horticulture extension specialists located across the state. The Cornett Research Farm (Forage Systems Research Center) is one of three research farms of the Northern Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center.

Application Deadline:  Candidate screening will begin May 01, 2023, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Procedure:

Apply online for Job ID 46485 Be prepared to upload: 1) cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, description of qualifications, and career goals; 2) copies of all graduate level transcripts; 3) contact information for four letters of reference and 4) curriculum vitae, which should include a biographical sketch, service, and a complete list of publications and grants. 

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu.  Questions regarding the position should be directed to Kelly Nelson (Search Committee Chair; nelsonke@missouri.edu). 

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success.  Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an equal access, equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that is fully committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information, call the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.