Associate or Assistant Professor, Vegetable Crop Pathology

Position Specifics

The Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in the College of Agricultural Sciences 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 biology, epidemiology and management of diseases of vegetable and ornamental crops, and the development of translational educational programming to meet the needs of a diverse stakeholder audience.

This position has 60% extension and 40% research responsibilities.

• 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, working 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 vegetable 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.
• Engage with interdisciplinary and diverse teams and commodity groups, secure research funding, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and develop a program with impact.
• Obtain extramural support for research, communicate findings through publications and other effective means, and actively participate in student training and mentoring.

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 keen interest and skills 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 designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as 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. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging.

We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

For more information about the position, please 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.