Lecturer​/Teaching Assistant Professor - Plant Sciences

Lecturer/Teaching Assistant Professor - Plant Sciences

Location: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee

Open Date: Jul 27, 2026

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.

• 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://digital learning.utk.edu/).
• Act as the main departmental liaison to the Office of Digital Learning and Vols Online.
• Record online lectures in collaboration with UTK Learning Digital Studio (https://digital learning.utk.edu/support/faculty-support/media-studio/).

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/.

• health and dental insurance
• life insurance
• multiple retirement plans

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.

• 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.

• 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 teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience with outreach, recruitment, or initiatives that promote academic programs.
• Experience with curriculum development and course assessment.

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…