Sustainable Vegetable Production and Nutrition Systems

Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University

Assistant Professor

AN/12 month, tenure-track position

50% research/50% extension 

The Department of Horticulture (

) in the College of Agriculture and 

Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for an Assistant 

Professor, twelve-month tenure-track position (50% research, 50% extension) to conduct 

research and extension/outreach programs that promote production of vegetables while 

maintaining or enhancing environmental quality in Michigan and beyond. The incumbent will 

develop a nationally and internationally recognized program in vegetable crop nutrition and 

soil fertility management that builds collaboratively on MSU’s strengths in vegetable 

production and sustainable cropping systems. Research should utilize both basic science and 

applied approaches while addressing the issues and opportunities facing the Michigan and 

Midwest vegetable industry.  Other potential areas of research focus include development of 

integrative systems to optimize plant nutrition and soil health; efficient nutrient and water 

delivery systems tailored to precision agriculture, drip irrigation, microclimate modification or 

extended season cropping systems; rhizosphere dynamics; or interactions between cropping 

systems and food quality/human nutrition.  

The successful candidate will establish innovative research and outreach programs, secure 

competitive/extramural funding, publish in high quality refereed journals, advise and mentor 

students, provide leadership in state-wide vegetable extension programming (including 

development of educational materials and other outreach tools), establish strong ties with 

industry leaders and grower groups; and contribute to the on-going programs of MSU’s 

Vegetable Extension Team. The salary is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s 

experience. A health, dental and retirement benefits program is included.

Qualifications:

Required: 

• PhD in horticulture, plant science, plant physiology, soil science or a related field

• Demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research

• Ability to work collaboratively with research and Extension teams

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Desired:

• Postdoctoral experience in plant nutrition, physiology and vegetable production

• Teaching, Extension, and team management experience

• Three or more years of vegetable production and research experience

Plant Sciences at MSU: MSU is a global leader in basic and applied plant sciences, with over 

150 faculty members engaged in research on nearly all aspects of crop production and plant 

science. MSU offers state-of-the-art field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory 

facilities to support diverse research and outreach interests. 

Application Procedure: Qualified applicants should submit a letter of application, a summary 

of research accomplishments and future research objectives, and a description of 

Extension/outreach interests and philosophy, a current CV, and contact information for at 

least three references online at https://jobs.msu.edu. Select Faculty/Academic Staff and 

apply to posting 0099 before February 28, 2015. Review of applications will begin March 1, 

2015 and will continue until the position is filled.  Questions can be directed to Dr. Eric 

Hanson, Search Committee Chair (

). Questions on submitting applications 

through https://jobs.msu.edu can be directed to 

MSU is an affirmative action, equal-opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving 

excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to 

reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations 

of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.