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Assistant Professor of Botany (Sustainable Agriculture)
The Botany Department at Connecticut College seeks applicants for a tenure-track position in sustainable agriculture at the rank of assistant professor, beginning July 1, 2022. A Ph.D. in biology, botany, agronomy, soil science, anthropology or related field is required at the time of appointment. The successful candidate will have a strong background in sustainable agriculture, community agriculture, urban farming and/or agroecology, as well as experience in undergraduate instruction and an ability to develop and maintain community partnerships.

We seek a dynamic colleague who is committed to teaching, innovative curricular development, and pedagogical practice designed to foster equity and inclusion. This position is designed to support a newly established concentration in sustainable agriculture within the botany major; to provide faculty leadership for a half-acre, student-run organic garden on campus; and to foster the integration of local community partners into our curriculum. The Botany Department is noted for linking teaching and research in botany with applied sustainability practices. As a science department in a liberal arts college, we provide students with a solid grounding in plant biology and related life and physical sciences, but also emphasize interdisciplinary breadth and experiential learning. Our department is housed in a newly renovated science building and our campus provides excellent resources for teaching and research, including a 750-acre arboretum and access to the Thames River waterfront, in addition to the campus garden.

This position will be required to teach four courses per year. An annual course release is provided to support oversight of the on-campus garden (i.e., the normal tenure-track teaching load at the college is five courses per year). Teaching responsibilities include an upper-level seminar and a mid-level laboratory course in sustainable agriculture and additional courses in the successful candidate's area of expertise. Teaching expertise in soils, mycology and/or plant pathology are especially welcome. This position will also support and contribute to interdisciplinary curricular programs at the college focused on sustainability, social justice, and sustainable food systems.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a research program in their area of expertise that provides opportunities for undergraduate research. These opportunities may occur both during the academic year (e.g., honors theses, independent studies) and through summer internships.

Evidence of successful teaching at the college or university level is required, as is demonstrated experience managing a small farm, urban garden or similar operation. Experience working with community partners and mentoring undergraduate research are preferred.

Connecticut College is a private, highly selective institution with a demonstrated commitment to outstanding faculty teaching and research. We recognize that intellectual vitality and diversity are inseparable. The College seeks creative scholars excited about working in a liberal arts setting, with its strong focus on engaged teaching, participation in shared governance, and active involvement in an institution-wide advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion. AA/EOE.

Connecticut College requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and new employees must present their COVID-19 vaccination record to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. Individuals who have a medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may confidentially request an exemption through the office of Human Resources. Additional COVID-19 safety protocols such as participation in weekly testing will be required of faculty, staff and students who have approved vaccine exemptions.

Please submit 1) a cover letter; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement describing your teaching experience and philosophy; 4) a statement describing your research program and any relevant experience in hands-on farm or urban garden operations; 5) an equity, diversity and inclusion statement describing your understanding of these issues in higher education as well as training and experiences that have shaped your understanding and plans for future work/growth in these areas; and 6) the names and contact information, including email addresses, for three references willing to provide letters of recommendation upon request, to http://apply.interfolio.com/95569<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/apply.interfolio.com/95569__;!!HXCxUKc!hmVN0LOvSCgDPPLmOmVhB70D8_Y-Yh9qmB7EpBK-p4O863WY_ZMQkmQ_3MY9ucA$>. Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 8, 2021