Assistant Professor, Crop Production

Overview

The Agronomy Department at Kansas State University is seeking an Assistant Professor for a 12-month tenure-track position in Crop Production with 70% research and 30% teaching. This role provides leadership in planning and conducting a multidisciplinary field-based research program focused on developing and managing crop production systems that promote efficient use of resources and maximize farm profitability across Kansas. Education and integration of new technologies and tools should be a significant component of the program.

• Lead planning and conduct a multidisciplinary field-based research program focused on crop production systems across Kansas, promoting efficient resource use and farm profitability; integrate new technologies and tools.
• Conduct research on both irrigated and rainfed agriculture to maximize resource use efficiency and yield and profitability of crops (traditional and alternative) suitable for Kansas crop production systems; employ new developments, tools, and advanced techniques in crop production management.
• Teach Crop Growth and Development (AGRON 360) at the undergraduate level and Cropping Systems (AGRON 640) at the undergraduate/graduate level; both courses are hands-on experiential courses; AGRON 360 includes an outdoor laboratory at the on-campus farm. Develop a graduate course in area of interest as appropriate. Mentor undergraduate students.
• Collaborate with research and extension personnel on and off campus, network of experiment fields, private industry, and commodity organizations to develop sustainable and efficient cropping systems.
• Seek extramural grant funds from state, regional, federal agencies, and industry; conduct scholarly research, train and mentor graduate students, publish in refereed journals, and present at scientific meetings, commodity commissions, and industry events.

• Minimum:
  Ph.D. in agronomy, crop science, or a closely related field at time of appointment.
• Field research experience in agronomic crop production systems.
• Ability to independently conceive, plan, and implement field research.
• Proven ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with current career level.
• Strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and student mentoring.
• Strong potential for securing extramural funding.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through formal education at this level.

• Experience in crop production systems relevant to Kansas.
• Knowledge of new technologies and tools to develop and communicate crop management strategies in response to evolving environments and management practices.
• Experience with grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
• Experience and effectiveness in graduate/undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

Salary commensurate with background and experience.

Manhattan, KS 66506

03/29/2026

The Department of Agronomy was established in 1906 to advance agricultural practices in Kansas. The Department has significantly contributed to transforming Kansas’s natural resources into the high standard of living enjoyed by its residents. Together with the Research and Extension Centers, it provides statewide leadership for teaching, research, and extension activities in plant breeding, crop production, range science, soil science, and weed sciences, and makes significant contributions to genetics, water science, and environmental sciences.