Associate or Assistant Professor, Vegetable Crop Pathology

Associate or Assistant Professor, Vegetable Crop Pathology

United States, Pennsylvania, University Park

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a 36‑week, tenure‑track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor with expertise in the biology, epidemiology, and management of diseases of vegetable and ornamental crops. The position comprises 60% extension and 40% research responsibilities and requires the development of translational educational programming to meet the needs of a diverse stakeholder audience.

• Build and lead an extension and research program focused on managing significant and emerging diseases of vegetable and ornamental crops, with a primary emphasis on major vegetable crops grown in Pennsylvania.
• Provide statewide leadership in vegetable and ornamental crop pathology as part of a statewide team of extension specialists and educators.
• Conduct innovative and impactful research on plant diseases and their management, develop new diagnostic tools and technologies, and partner with extension specialists and county educators to address crop health challenges using existing and new technologies.
• Identify extension education needs, equip growers and agricultural service providers with research‑based actionable information on pathogen biology and disease management, and respond to stakeholder priorities.
• Collaborate with faculty across departments, engage with interdisciplinary and diverse teams and commodity groups, secure research funding, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Exhibit excellence in grant writing, research communication, and interdisciplinary engagement.

A Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or a related field is required. Applicants should provide evidence of strong potential for conducting and publishing innovative research, competitiveness for external research funding, excellence in communication across a range of audiences, and a keen interest and skill in mentoring and advising students. Experience in developing and delivering extension programs is preferred.

Candidates will be evaluated on their potential for publishing high‑impact work, obtaining extramural funding, excellence in instruction, and collaboration in research and instruction within and outside the Department and campus.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a robust retirement plan, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student): log in to Workday to complete the internal application process and do not apply here.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not previously employed): log in to Workday to complete the student application process and do not apply here.
• External applicants: click “Apply” and complete the application process on the employer’s website.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, a complete CV, a statement outlining their philosophy and plan for establishing a successful research and extension program, and contact information for three references. Please also provide a statement on how you will contribute to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and employees.

For more information about the position, contact Paul Esker (pde6), Chair of the Search Committee, or Maria del Mar Jimenez Gasco (mxj
22), Head of the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology.