Term Research Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Horticulture

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a top research university located in the circumboreal north and is at the leading edge of addressing agricultural production challenges in a changing northern climate. This position is located in Fairbanks with the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension (IANRE) and has access to three research farms in Fairbanks, Delta‑Junction, and Palmer, Alaska, as well as the Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks.

IANRE has a longstanding history of working on agricultural and horticultural production projects, including peony and rhodiola production, use of hoop houses and controlled environments, and production of annual specialty crops. In addition, the institute has hosted conferences and training sessions for the agriculture and horticulture industry.

In this role, the successful candidate will conduct applied research on agricultural and horticultural crop production and markets. Research topics will encompass variety testing, developing practices suitable for both small‑ and large‑scale production, and innovating solutions for challenges such as pests and cultivation in cold climates. The candidate will collaborate with professional colleagues, industry members, and field representatives to design and implement applied research programs, develop clear evaluation protocols, and communicate results through reports and peer‑reviewed journals.

Communicating research findings in an accessible manner—including publishing easy‑to‑understand plant cultivation methods and presenting to diverse audiences—is essential.

The successful candidate will also take part in extension activities, collaborate with other faculty in the Master Gardener program to update the Master Gardener Manual, maintain the online Canvas Master Gardener course, and assist Extension offices in policy and procedure development. Extension publications will be authored and outreach will occur through Extension outlets on agriculture and horticulture topics.

Grant writing is an integral part of the position: the candidate will write interdisciplinary grant proposals with faculty, post‑docs, graduate, and undergraduate students. The position is a 9‑month term‑funded role, with the possibility of extension to 12 months if additional funding is secured. The candidate will be responsible for pursuing adjunct funding to complement the base‑funded tasks.

Mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds within the University of Alaska system is required, as is collaboration with faculty to evaluate and develop research strategies. Success in this role requires effective teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to translate Northern agriculture needs into relevant research approaches and projects across Alaska and beyond.

Service to IANRE, UAF, and the profession is essential. Contributions include self‑governance, planning, administration, and representing UAF and IANRE in university, state, and national committees, professional societies, and local groups.

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field; a track record of demonstrated research excellence and the ability to develop collaborations with private and public sector organizations.
• OR a combination of a Master of Science in Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field, with successful acquisition of grants to perform research in this field.

The position is located on the Troth Yeddha’ campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is a full‑time, term‑funded, exempt faculty position with a competitive salary and full employee benefits, including retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. Salary is negotiable based on education and experience.

The candidate must obtain an Alaska driver’s license and maintain a clean driving…