"Alerted.org

Position Details

Position Information

Department Crop and Soil Science (ACS)

Position Title Assistant Professor

Job Title Assistant Professor: Extension Seed Specialist

Appointment Type Academic Faculty

Job Location Corvallis

Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Job Summary

The Department of Crop & Soil Science invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position.

This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE tenure-track position at Oregon State University in the department of Crop and Soil Science and college of Agricultural Sciences. This position is funded at 0.75 FTE and the faculty member is expected to fund the other 0.25 FTE from grants and contracts. For the first three years, full funding would be provided by the college at 1.0 FTE . This position has assignment as Soil Water Quality Extension Seed Specialist with a statewide assignment. This position contributes to the missions of OSU Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences with principal responsibility for needs assessment, Extension program development, Extension teaching, and program evaluation.

This Assistant Professor has a statewide assignment. This position requires traveling for field research and presentations. The incumbent in this position is expected to be a leader in extension education programming and agronomic research for grass and legume seed crops.

This position primarily focuses on enhancing seed production by conducting applied research and developing agronomic recommendations to improve seed yield and production efficiency in grass and legume seed crops. The research agenda targets major seed crops like grasses and clovers specifically grown for seed production with additional work in other specialty seed crops as time and resources allow.

In tandem with research activities, the role also necessitates supporting Extension faculty and industry clients. The goal is to assist in the development and implementation of effective agronomic management practices. These practices encompass areas such as stand establishment, plant nutrition, integrated pest management, the use of plant growth regulators, and optimizing harvest efficiency, all aimed at enhancing the overall productivity and sustainability of seed crop production.

The faculty member will:

+ Develop a successful Extension and applied research program with measurable impacts to assist seed crop clientele in sustaining or enhancing crop productivity while also maintaining or improving environmental and economic sustainability.

+ Closely collaborate with University faculty, USDA - ARS scientists, growers, and grass seed industry practitioners globally when relevant to develop and conduct applied research that is novel and relevant to state-wide clientele needs.

+ Develop and/or update relevant OSU Extension publications related to grass and legume seed production in addition to technical reports and grower-oriented publications.

+ Publish research findings in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and disseminate results during grower and professional society meetings.

+ Provide leadership for on-campus and off-campus training in seed crop production and serve as a member of a team of OSU Extension and research faculty that addresses crop management and production issues in grass and legume seed production.

+ Provide scientific expertise to advisory committees convened by OSU and federal, state, and local government agencies, commodity commissions, and grower organizations related to management and production issues of grass and legume seed crops.

+ There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment (https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/main/for-faculty/care.pdf) document.

Oregon State University and the CSS department are committed to maintaining and enhancing a collaborative and inclusive community that strives for equity and equal opportunity. All employees of the Department are responsible for helping to ensure that these goals are achieved. In addition, all faculty members will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Department programs to ensure that all people have equal program participation opportunities. The incumbent will contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of educational delivery, advising, research, extension, service, and/or scholarly outcomes. Outputs and impacts of efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity are expected to be included in promotion and tenure dossiers.

This position contributes to the missions of Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences, with principal responsibility for needs assessment, Extension program development, delivery, and evaluation of adult audiences.

The position carries the general and specific responsibilities of a faculty member described in the OSU Faculty Handbook and the promotion and tenure guidelines of Oregon State University. These include an Extension education program, demonstrable scholarship and creative activity, service contributions, and active professional development.

College of Agricultural Sciences Faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences.

The faculty member will design, maintain and/or carry out Extension programs to ensure that all people have equal employment opportunities and equal program participation opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran’s status.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

•Top 1.4% university in the world

•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

•217k+ alumni worldwide

•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

•Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

•Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

•Retirement savings paid by the university.

•A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

•Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

70 % Extension and Applied Research

+ Provide statewide leadership in developing and evaluating applied research and Extension education programs on seed production in grass and legume crops, and in other specialty seed crops in the state.

+ Collaborate with extension and research faculty located around the state to identify, develop, and implement research and educational programs to address grass and legume seed crop production needs.

+ Lead and conduct applied research trials in cooperation with extension faculty, growers, and private industry partners and disseminate research findings to clientele.

+ Provides leadership for extension field-based and branch experiment station faculty on topics related to grass seed or legume seed crop production.

+ Develop educational materials and provide educational outreach to producers, consultants/advisors, processors, and agriculture industry reps through traditional and non-traditional/multi-media informational delivery such as demonstration/research trials, field days/tours, short courses, and workshops.

+ Use multiple methods of digital communication and social media (i.e., web sites, publications, video conferencing and other online methods) to collaborate internally and externally

+ Multiple trial sites and event locations are necessary to address needs across the state.

+ Serve on Multistate and/or Integrated [Extension and Research Activity ( ERA )] projects. The applied research nature of this position may require cooperation/collaboration with other faculty in USDA NIFA Hatch collaborative or Hatch multistate project.

+ Respond to routine phone and electronic correspondence related to grass and legume seed production in Oregon.

+ Participate in University, Extension, and professional organization training and in- service programs to improve ability and knowledge to perform assigned duties.

+ Driving is required for field research and presentations.

20% Scholarship

Scholarship is creative, intellectual work that is both validated by peers and communicated. Emphasis in scholarship should be placed on outcomes that recognize activities as defined by the incumbent’s position description.

+ Validation of scholarship through procurement of competitive grants.

+ Develop peer-reviewed educational materials and effective teaching methods that meet clientele needs.

+ To achieve promotion, scholarship for this position must include peer-reviewed materials that are durable and findable in the web environment.

+ Documentation must be provided that shows these scholarly outputs have had an impact.

+ Work with collaborators and graduate students (as the primary advisor or committee member) to publish and other scholarly works.

+ Maintaining a solid record of peer-reviewed research articles and extension publications is expected.

+ Communication of scholarship through presentations to state, regional, national, and international professional groups, Extension faculty, stakeholders, media, and other outlets as appropriate.

5% Supervision

+ Supervises FRAs, temporary workers, and graduate students as funding allows.

5% Service

+ The incumbent is expected to advance their professional discipline through service to professional organizations.

+ Serve the University and general public by providing timely science-based information to the public including through popular and trade publications and the news media.

+ Assume departmental duties as assigned by the CSS Department Head. Participate in university and college service in consultation with the Department Head.

+ A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing inclusive excellence is required. The incumbent will participate in educational and skill-building professional development offered by OSU and professional associations.

What You Will Need

PhD in agronomy, crop science, or a related area

Demonstrated strong experience and research background in agronomic crop management and applied research including pesticide and fertilizer application.

Strong writing, oral communication, and technical presentation skills.

Demonstrated record of scholarship commensurate with career level in the field of agronomy, crop science or related discipline.

Ability to work independently and cooperatively within a team; and work and communicate with colleagues, stakeholders, the general public, policymakers, academics, and students.

Demonstrated ability to organize and deliver educational programs for diverse audiences.

Experience or strong potential to secure external funding for educational and applied research programs.

A demonstrable ability to collaborate with faculty, students, partners, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and a willingness to promote inclusive excellence.

General knowledge of farm machinery, lab equipment, and computers, including proficiency with communication technology (e.g. email, internet media).

Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

What We Would Like You to Have

Experience in seed production research and seed production agronomy techniques.

Experience and/or familiarity with pesticide registration procedures

Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the basic philosophy of Extension and the Land Grant University system.

Demonstrated experience in the development and management of a successful field-based research program.

Familiarity with funding sources for extension and research activities and demonstrated ability to secure external funding support for research and extension.

One or more years of experience with extension teaching or other informal education delivery methods

Demonstrated understanding of needs and impact assessment techniques and their application to extension programs and services.

Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing technological environment.

Experience working in multidisciplinary teams that include research and Extension personnel.

Demonstrated ability to lead groups and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage and delegate details associated with program management.

Life experience, education, and/or training that broaden capacity to equalize learner success or impact underserved audiences.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Travel for field research and presentations. Work may take place in varying field conditions and

environments. Evening and/or weekend work may be required for conference travel and research

work in the field and laboratory.

Pay Method Salary

Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience

Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position\_descriptions/168187

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P09084UF

Number of Vacancies 1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 01/01/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date 05/09/2025

Full Consideration Date

Closing Date 07/20/2025

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Statement of Research

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:

Manoj Shukla

[email protected]

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates) section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team [email protected].

Supplemental Questions

Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/168441

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.