Assistant Professor Extension Specialist in Corn Production Systems

We seek to hire a 9-month tenure track Extension Specialist in Corn Production Systems (Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS), University of Wisconsin-Madison) to provide leadership in developing and delivering corn grain and silage outreach and research in Wisconsin. This position will address the needs of the state’s corn-growing farmers that produce nearly 4.0 million acres of corn yearly with a value of more than $3.4 billion dollars. Wisconsin is an agriculturally and ecologically diverse state thus an integrative approach to Extension and research is needed in the development, evaluation, and implications of novel corn management systems (e.g., cropping systems diversification and intensification, ecological approaches to mitigate carbon and nutrient loss, precision agriculture, forage production, etc.).
The incumbent will design novel corn grain and silage production systems that enhance benefits and reduce risks to agriculture and the environment while addressing the challenges of a changing climate and more extreme weather. Research will also document the efficacy and suitability of novel corn management approaches and estimate their impact on agroecosystem services such as crop productivity, biodiversity, climate regulation, and water quality. The incumbent will have the opportunity to work on a broad range of corn cropping systems important to Wisconsin producers including rotational grain, forage, specialty, and organic systems. Research efforts will form the foundation for a strong mentoring program across departments and colleges at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the incumbent will be expected to recruit and mentor graduate students and provide research opportunities for undergraduates. The incumbent will be expected to develop and lead a regionally and nationally recognized Extension program supported by a strong research program. The incumbent will interact with the members of the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, regional Extension agronomists, WAPAC (Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants) and other key clientele.
The position carries a commitment to Extension and research, as well as professional and university service as appropriate to the faculty rank. The incumbent will be expected to develop and grow a collaborative and extramurally funded Extension and research program recognized at state, regional, national, and international levels. The Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences is committed to inclusivity and diversity; therefore, we strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote these values.

The candidate will be expected to:
1. CALS Extension-funded faculty are expected to generate, translate, and apply research-based knowledge and methods to issues and problems by integrating research and educational activities into a coherent body of work. CALS Extension-funded faculty are expected to provide leadership in the design, development, and implementation of educational programs and to document the impact of these efforts.
2. Develop and carry out a vigorous externally funded research program, and publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
3. Develop an externally supported, nationally recognized, extension program that integrates research activities and is supported by competitive grants, industry contributions, and revenue from other programs
4. Teach graduate and undergraduate students, commensurate with college expectations and consistent with the teaching loads of the department. Mentor students and promote their development and success in a collaborative environment.
5. Contribute to outreach and service functions of the department, college, university, and professional societies.
6. Contribute to programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department, college, and university. Promote an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required
PhD
Agronomy, horticulture, plant science, crop science, agroecology, or closely related discipline. PhD must be completed by start date of the position.

Candidate must have a strong foundation and research experience in the principles and concepts of crop production systems, demonstrated ability to communicate (oral and written) and publish, and have a solid understanding, potential, and/or experience securing competitive funding.
Successful candidates will have a record of or demonstrate potential for:
i) Extramural grant-writing
ii) Publications in peer reviewed journals
iii) Graduate student training/mentoring
iv) Teaching and curriculum development
v) Contribution to the outreach and service functions of CALS
vi) Promoting an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities
All requirements must be met by the start date.

Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

AUGUST 01, 2024

Negotiable
ACADEMIC (9 months)

Applicants can find relevant information about the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences at https://pasdept.wisc.edu .
Any questions regarding the position may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Shawn Conley ([email protected] ).
University of Wisconsin-Madison CALS Mission: To advance and share knowledge, discover solutions and promote opportunities in food and agriculture, bioenergy, health, the environment and human well-being.
Vision: To lead in science, innovation and collaboration that improves life and sustains the natural world.
UW-Madison is one of the world’s premier research universities, with more than 16,000 faculty, staff, and graduate assistants, who, collectively, support the research, teaching and public service missions of the university. The 963-acre campus is located on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is consistently ranked among the top 5 small U.S. cities to live in because of its cultural and ethnic diversity, affordable cost of living, low unemployment, and excellent public schools. The University of Wisconsin-Madison attracts a diverse body of outstanding graduate students from around the world and provides state-of-the art research and teaching facilities, both in Madison and at multiple agricultural research stations throughout the state. Madison is a picturesque city with a strong economy and a vibrant cultural environment.
UW Agricultural Research Stations: The UW-Madison Agricultural Research Station Network is comprised of 12 unique sites. These sites sit on 8000 acres of cropable farmland that represents the dominant agroclimatic regions found in the State of Wisconsin. The facilities available to researchers and support staff are valued at over $45 million, and house over $8.5 million worth of farming and research equipment. The research mission of the Agricultural Research Stations is supported by approximately 110 permanent employees and 50 seasonal staffers.
The UW-Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty and staff.

Apply via Jobs@UW, PVL# 292975. Applications must be received through UW-Madison’s online application system. To begin the process, click “Apply Now.” Applicants should upload the following information as 1 complete PDF file:
A.) No more than two-page cover letter
B.) Full curriculum vitae
C.) Names and contact information of three potential reference letter-writers
D.) Two-page statement of research interests and future research plans, highlighting your fit to this position and how you would complement departmental expertise
E.) Two-page statement of Extension philosophy, approach and experiences
F.) One-page statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy, approach and experiences
G.) One document demonstrating a representative sample of published papers (3 max)

The deadline for assuring full consideration is March 10, 2024; however, the position will remain open, and applications may be considered until the position is filled.
Employment will require an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. To be considered, applicants must upload a signed ‘Authorization to Release Information’ form as part of the application. The authorization form and a definition of ‘misconduct’ can be found here: https://hr.wisc.edu/institutional-reference-check/

Shawn Conley
[email protected]
608-800-7056
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Assistant Professor(FA040)

A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/PLANT & AGROECOSYSTEM SCI

Faculty

292975-FA