Lecturer/Teaching Assistant Professor - Plant Sciences

Lecturer/Teaching Assistant Professor - Plant Sciences

Location:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
Open Date:
Jul 27, 2026
Description:

 

Location

Knoxville, Tennessee, or hybrid/remote. Hybrid-remote employees must be able to travel to Knoxville approximately one to three times per month for activities that may include faculty meetings, committee meetings, recording instructional materials in the Digital Learning Studio, and meetings with the Office of Digital Learning.  

Description

The Plant Sciences Department in the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is searching for a Lecturer or Teaching Assistant Professor to fill a 9-month position in the Plant Sciences (PLSC) undergraduate program. The successful candidate will be responsible for working with the PLSC program faculty, department head, and professional advisors to deliver coursework which will primarily complement the online delivery of PLSC undergraduate curriculum. The candidate should be willing to engage in innovative and interdisciplinary teaching and program development. 

Primary duties include:

Teaching up to 12 credit hours per semester within the PLSC undergraduate curriculum.Promoting and advancing the PLSC program through activities that strengthen online programming, enrollment, and visibility.Supporting the continued development and modernization of departmental curriculum, including the emerging Plant Sciences online minor.Mentoring undergraduate students, supporting student enrichment activities, and supporting student professional development.Contributing to the development of a nationally recognized Plant Sciences online degree program by participating in professional organizations, contributing to the scholarship of teaching and learning, and incorporating innovative instructional methods, software, and equipment that enhance student learning outcomes.Meet regularly with the Office of Digital Learning (https://digitallearning.utk.edu/).Act as the main departmental liaison to the Office of Digital Learning and VolsOnline.Record online lectures in collaboration with UTK Learning Digital Studio (https://digitallearning.utk.edu/support/faculty-support/media-studio/). 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation is competitive and will be based on experience and qualifications. The University of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, including health and dental insurance, life insurance and multiple retirement plans. Additional information can be found at https://tennessee.edu/about/divisions/finance-admin/hr/payroll-benefits-retirement/.

 ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AND THE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE:

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and is classified as a Carnegie R1 (Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity) institution. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) provides Real. Life. Solutions. through teaching, discovery, and outreach. UTIA is committed to excellence in developing solutions to agricultural, environmental, and natural resource challenges across Tennessee and beyond.

UTIA is located in Knoxville, a vibrant city surrounded by beautiful natural areas including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and offers an excellent quality of life.

 

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

A master's degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, or a closely related field is required by the time of hire for appointment as a Lecturer. A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in Plant Sciences, Horticulture, or a closely related field is required by the time of hire for appointment as a Teaching Assistant Professor.Strong communication skills and the ability to integrate information technology into course delivery.Desired Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience in online or hybrid instruction or other teaching experience.Demonstrated experience developing, designing, or significantly revising online or hybrid courses using evidence-based instructional practices.Horticulture or other Plant Sciences related work experience Experience with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas)Commitment to innovative teachingDemonstrated ability to work collaborativelyExperience with outreach, recruitment, or initiatives that promote academic programsExperience with curriculum development and course assessment

 

Application Instructions:

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Search Committee will begin application review and continue to receive applications until an appointment is made. Any questions regarding this position can be emailed to Dr. Andy Pulte at apulte@utk.edu, the Chair of the Search Committee.

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 15, 2026 in anticipation of a start date of January 1, 2027. Applications should include: (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and experience; (2) a complete curriculum vitae/resume; and (3) names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least five professional references that the Search Committee may contact in the final stages of the interview process. Application materials should be submitted via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/190124.

 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.