Research Associate Professor​/Research Professor & Assistant Director, Plant Systems

Location: Prairie View
As we seek to strengthen the Plant Systems Research Program in the CARC, it is our intent to engage in forward and broad thinking strategies that provide sustainable solutions to solve immediately existing problems in addition to laying the foundation for solving anticipated futuristic problems such as providing nutritious, healthy food for the world’s growing population. As a collective Plant Systems research team, our mission is to serve clientele, both the underserved producers and businesses, in the continual development of safe productive plant study practices.

The practices will lead to efficient, innovative, and science-based knowledge and solutions for agriculture, food, nutrition and environmentally friendly related issues. The commitment to incorporate plant-based studies into climate-smart opportunities shall encourage the underserved limited resources clientele to thrive within their community. Our vision is to use smart approaches to contribute to the enhancement of food and agriculture that protects and improves the health, nutrition, and quality of life of all Americans while feeding the world.  

Since food and nutrition are inherently connected, we seek to build a team of researchers that can contribute to innovations that enhance food safety, lessen food insecurities, and emphasize nutritional security.

Areas of research expertise and interest that we seek include, but not limited to, the following three foci:
Crop Protection, Horticulture/Floriculture, or Phytochemistry/Organic Chemistry. Crop Protection is a vital discipline that addresses the challenges posed by pests, diseases, and weeds in global agriculture.  Having expertise in Crop Protection is crucial for our institution to lead cutting-edge research, develop innovative pest and disease management practices, and contribute significantly to agricultural sustainability and food security. Horticulture encompasses a range of practices involving the cultivation, propagation, and management of plants, while Floriculture specifically focuses on the cultivation and marketing of ornamental and flowering plants.

This area of study will play a crucial role in providing guidance for aesthetic beauty and the well-being of society. Further, Phytochemistry, the study of plant-derived compounds and their chemical properties, plays a pivotal role in both agriculture and human health due to its many benefits and applications. These compounds serve as the plant's defense mechanisms against environmental stressors, pests, and diseases, offering numerous advantages that positively impact agriculture and human well-being.
* Work closely with the system members, EAD for research, Department Head, and Extension counterparts to shape the long-term vision and roadmap for research within the system.
* Review and provide feedback on research proposals, ensuring alignment with CARC, CAFNR, and sponsoring organizations' mission and goals.
* Lead research teams to plan, monitor, implement, and complete project deliverables on time and within budgets.
* Evaluate faculty with split teaching-research appointments, research faculty, research specialists, research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and technician’s performance in coordination with the Associate Dean (AD) and Executive Associate Director (EAD) for Research (CARC).
* Assist in the development of CARC’s Plan of Work and Impact Statements.
* Monitor progress of all Plant Systems research initiatives, working in coordination with scientists, and postdoctoral fellows.
* Oversee the Plant Systems’ budget and resources and work closely with the EAD and research scientists to set priorities.
* Embrace and foster a culture to improve the success of research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and student research interns.
* Receive, review, investigate and resolve complaints/conflicts within the Plant Systems.
* Work with faculty with split teaching-research appointments to promote excellence in teaching, research, and service in accordance with the level of their appointment; facilitate faculty efforts at seeking external grant support.
* Work closely with other system chairs to foster…