Assistant Extension Specialist in Fruit Pathology

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

The Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is actively seeking applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in Fruit Pathology at the Assistant Extension Specialist (Assistant Professor) level. The Department is committed to the pursuit of excellence by increasing their on-the-ground commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eligible candidates should have a strong educational foundation in plant pathology, disease epidemiology, plant disease management, and general horticulture. A research background in disease management of wine grape, small fruit, and/or tree fruit diseases is preferred. The successful candidate is expected to develop an extramurally funded, nationally recognized extension and research program focused on the management of wine grape, small fruit, and tree fruit diseases and work closely and collaborate with the Rutgers state-wide Fruit IPM Program.

The position is located at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center ( RAREC) in southern New Jersey (Cumberland County) near Upper Deerfield. RAREC is a 285-acre New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ( NJAES) research farm with extensive laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities. It houses a multidisciplinary team of faculty colleagues and staff, from the Department of Plant Biology and Department of Entomology, who are committed to enhancing the profitability and sustainability of specialty crops through research, extension, outreach, and teaching activities. Recently renovated, RAREC is a modern industry-centered facility that provides opportunities to collaborate with faculty at other NJAES facilities. These include the Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension in Chatsworth, NJ, the Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research and Extension Farm in Pittstown, NJ and at the Rutgers Specialty Crop Research and Extension Center in Cream Ridge, NJ.

The successful candidate is expected to develop an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research program focused on the successful management of wine grape, small fruit, and tree fruit diseases in New Jersey. Both RAREC and the Department of Plant Biology house a multidisciplinary team of colleagues and staff committed to enhancing the profitability and sustainability of agriculture through research, extension outreach and teaching activities.

Applicants are expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate student success through active participation with departmental colleagues in classroom instruction, experiential learning opportunities, internships, directed research, and community engagement activities.

Extension scholarship and outreach to the grower community is aimed at educating stakeholders on the practical applications of improved disease management strategies for tree fruit, wine grape, and small fruit including the use of precision agriculture and other new technologies ultimately leading to successful implementations in crop production.

In addition, other key responsibilities for this position include:

* Develop an impactful research and Extension program, while collaborating with county-based agricultural agents and statewide Extension specialists, to significantly contribute to the economic viability of tree fruit, wine grape, and small fruit growers in New Jersey.

* Identify critical needs and areas of concern impacting New Jersey's tree fruit, wine grape, and small fruit growers and their respected industries, and develop working relationships with related external agencies and local industry partners.

* Employ a variety of educational outreach and delivery methods to disseminate evidence-based information that helps agricultural audiences understand, evaluate, and adopt sustainable new practices and technologies. Methods and activities include field visits, educational meetings, workshops, short courses, newsletters, train-the-trainer programs, and factsheets and online presence in platforms like the Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory, and other web-based tools.

* Document and track program impact based on stated objectives, develop effective evaluation techniques, and provide timely impact reporting to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension state office.

In general, the successful candidate should complement existing faculty in the Department of Plant Biology at RAREC and at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in New Brunswick, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university's mission and values, and serve on department, college, and university committees as fitting a tenure-track position.

Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate in plant pathology or related biological discipline. Previous faculty, industry, or postdoctoral experience is preferred. A record of accomplishment (publications, grants, plant variety releases, etc.) demonstrating the potential for success. Knowledge and understanding of cooperative extension principles, mission, and roles is
desirable.

PhD certification

The candidate must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
A New Jersey Driver license is required within 6 months of start date.

Ability to function effectively in classroom, field, and laboratory environments.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey hosts one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States. Our institution and our department are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and a priority is that our faculty reflect our student and state population and is outlined in the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan ( https://diversity.rutgers.edu). We especially encourage applications from backgrounds underrepresented in plant sciences including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ scientists.

Rutgers is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals covered by Section 503 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Section 402 of the Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 may self-identify. If you wish to self-identify, please do so in the cover letter transmitting your curriculum vitae.

To apply: Submit a single PDF that includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, concise statement of research interests, teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information of at least four references to: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/244876 .

We require applicants to include (in a separate statement) how their research and Extension interests, teaching, service, and community engagement could contribute to enhancing DEI at Rutgers University and the Department. Instructions can be found at https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/diversity-statement-instructions.php.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Andrew Wyenandt, Search Committee Chair, wyenandt@njaes.rutgers.edu

Active review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Plant Biology Dept, 59 Dudley Road - Foran Hall, New Brunswick, NJ 08901