Assistant, Associate, or Research Professor and State Extension Specialist

Overview

The Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU), a land-grant institution, seeks an Assistant/Associate/Full Research Professor and State Extension Specialist for rice agronomy. This 12-month non-tenure-track faculty position with a 60% research and 40% extension appointment is located at the University of Missouri's (MU) Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center in Portageville, MO.

The successful candidate will focus on applied agronomic research to improve sustainable rice production in southeast Missouri. The soils and topography of southeastern Missouri (the most northern region of U.S. rice production) offers researchers a unique opportunity to study production in both paddy and row rice systems. Conducting rice variety trials and management of rice in rotation with other crops for optimum yields and quality is a central responsibility.

In addition, the candidate is expected to provide leadership to discover and apply innovative tools and practices for the management of water, fertilizer, and other inputs to improve efficiency of rice production. The work will include planning, designing, and conducting field experiments (including data collection and statistical analyses) with input from producers to target research projects relevant to the Missouri rice producing region.

A significant portion of the position is supported by the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council (MRRMC). A strong collaboration and working relationship with the MRRMC is required to be successful in this role. A relocation to within 70 driving miles of the Fisher Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center in Portageville, MO, is expected. Collaboration with public and private researchers, farmers, and extension specialists within Missouri and other states is expected.

Availability to rice producers to answer questions about rice production is critical. Ability to secure extramural funding and publish research findings is required. It is expected that research-based information will be disseminated to producers, industry and the scientific community via extension presentations and other publications including refereed journal articles.

The Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) is part of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station and contributes to MU's comprehensive land-grant responsibility. Its goal is to conduct high quality research that will respond to the needs of Missouri citizens, maintain and enhance our natural resource base, support a vital food and fiber system, and help keep Missouri producers competitive and profitable.

FD-REEC staff work with campus faculty involved in teaching, research and extension along with state and federal agencies and Missouri agribusinesses to support education and a reliable, safe, sustainable supply of food and other agricultural products. In addition, FD-REEC faculty commonly collaborate with other state university faculty and staff and with industry on joint research projects that impact local, state, regional, national and international clientele.

The FD-REEC facilities include 1,119 acres at four locations representing the major soil types of the region. The FD-REEC headquarters in Portageville consists of 23 offices, several buildings housing tractors and equipment sufficient to carry out field research, seven modern laboratories, eight greenhouses, Foundation Seed cleaning and storage facilities, auditoriums, an exhibit hall, a library and outstanding professional and support staff.

In addition, it is expected that a significant portion of the research is to be conducted at the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council's Missouri rice research farm near Glennonville, MO. The farm consists of 110 acres and additional facilities and provides an essential location for conducting rice research trials. While the position is located at the FD-REEC, the successful candidate will also be an integral faculty member of the Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in Columbia, MO ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, or related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Proficiency in rice production practices, including knowledge of weed and disease/insect control, fertility, tillage, and irrigation. Excellent oral skills to communicate with farmers and other commodity stakeholders and the ability to work well in a collaborative team are essential. Other preferred skills include experience in an aspect of precision agriculture (such as digital technology as it relates to modernizing farming practices), the ability to secure extramural funding, a knowledge of operating and maintaining plot and farm-scale equipment, and proven experience in data analysis, and writing (e.g., grant…