Asst​/Associate Professor - Extension Corn Agronomist

Overview

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is seeking applicants at the Assistant or Associate Professor level with extension and research responsibilities in the area of applied corn agronomy in North Carolina. This position is associated with the Named Chair, funded by an endowment from the NC Corn Growers Association. The position will be housed at the Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth, NC with statewide extension responsibilities.

• Provide comprehensive support to corn producers, county agents, crop consultants, NCDA & CS regional agronomists, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders in the field corn industry.
• Collaborate with existing corn research and Extension faculty at NC State University to:
  • Develop cutting-edge research to improve agronomic recommendations.
  • Deliver technical training to producers and county agents.
  • Troubleshoot production problems and offer practical solutions.
  • Build relationships that strengthen the field corn production industry.

You will also disseminate technical information through:

• Print and electronic formats, including the commodity portal and social media.
• In-person events such as grower meetings, county agent training sessions, field days, stakeholder training, and farm visits.
• Professional presentations at state, regional, and national meetings to support the growth of the corn agronomy field.

Teaching responsibilities include co-teaching three undergraduate courses:

• CS 118/218 – Southern Row Crop Production:
  Soybeans, Corn, and Small Grains (spring semester, in-person).
• CS 218 – Southern Row Crop Production:
  Soybeans, Corn, and Small Grains (fall semester, online).
• CS 590 – Exploring Southern Row Crops Summer Practicum (graduate level, every other summer).

Teaching commitments will include five weeks per fall and spring semester and two weeks every other summer.

This position is based on the Raleigh campus with a focus on extension and field research at the Tidewater Research Station area. The research technician and biweekly employees will be stationed at the Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth, with access to equipment and facilities for research and extension activities.

You Belong Here: NC State values a diverse and inclusive workplace. Please review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

The positions will be housed at the Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth, NC, with statewide extension responsibilities expected.

Minimum Education and Experience

• PhD in agronomy, crop science, or a closely related discipline.

Other Required Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of row crop agronomy, including soil science, crop management, and sustainable agriculture practices.
• Ability to design and conduct applied research in agronomy.
• Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting field data to develop actionable agronomic recommendations.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools and software used in agricultural research.
• Writing skills for producing research reports, Extension bulletins, and publications in academic journals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with corn agronomy.
• Experience with small and large-scale applied research.
• Experience with emerging research and farm technology.
• Experience developing and implementing extension programs that translate research-based knowledge into practical application to farmers, consultants, and ag industry professionals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with growers, Extension agents, and commodity stakeholders.
• A record of research, teaching, extension, and service consistent with appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• A valid NC Driver’s License and the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire; must be maintained throughout employment.

Note:

Valid NC Driver's License required;
Commercial Driver's License required (as applicable).

Job Open Date: 10/20/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please include a cover letter, cv/resume, contact information for three professional references,…