Assistant Professor Forage Production Systems

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Comprehensive forage systems for year –round production and management. Full-time, 12-month, tenure-track position. Responsibilities will be 100% research in the Department of Plant Sciences within the University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture (UTIA). The successful applicant is expected to develop a nationally recognized research program in forage production systems which utilizes state-of-the-art methods to: (i) conduct interdisciplinary research on forage systems that are economically profitable and environmentally sound, (ii) conduct research on forage species and adaptation for sustainable forage production, and (iii) secure external funding to support the research program. Research results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at professional society meetings, disseminated at field day events, state and regional conferences, as well as technical articles, popular press and various web sites. Recruiting and advising graduate students and supervising technical staff are expected. Opportunities exist for undergraduate students to assist in conducting research.

COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES: This position will be based at the Plateau Research and Education Center (PREC) in Crossville, TN, one hour west of Knoxville. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work cooperatively with faculty located at other centers, as well as those on campus. Along with this position, there is a beef cattle management faculty research position located at PREC. Information regarding PREC and the entire UTIA Research and Education Center network can be found at www.taes.utk.edu/centers/. These RECs currently have a large inventory of beef cattle and grazing paddocks of varying sizes. There are three research dairies within the UTIA system with capacity of over 600 cows. Support staff to assist in conducting research are located at each REC.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a closely related discipline is required. A strong background in forage production systems is essential. Familiarity with design and conduct of grazing experiments is very desirable. Candidate must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and report research in refereed journals and publications for public use. Willingness to lead and work as a member of multi-disciplinary teams of agricultural scientists is essential.

SALARY: Commensurate with training and experience

EFFECTIVE DATE: Review of completed applications will begin June 15, 2012 and continue until the position is filled.

APPLICATION: Candidates should send a letter of interest that includes a statement of research and professional goals, resume, transcripts, and names and addresses of four references to: Dr. Gary Bates, Chair, Search & Advisory Committee, Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee, 2431 Joe Johnson Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996-1071. All new employees must provide employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Gary Bates, Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee, 2431 Joe Johnson Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996. Telephone: (865) 974-7208, e-mail: gbates@utk.edu

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.

Assistant Professor Forage Production Systems