Career Opportunity - Plant Breeder for International Programs

The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University invites applications for a 12-month, fixed term Assistant Professor position in plant breeding and genetics.

Plant Breeder for International Programs - Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University

The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University invites applications for a 12-month, fixed term Assistant Professor position in plant breeding and genetics for international programs to help expand its collaborative research, graduate training and outreach in plant breeding for global food security. The incumbent will work closely with the breeders at MSU that are working on issues related to Michigan and help expand their programs by reaching out to the global plant breeding and crop improvement programs. The successful candidate will have a research, teaching and outreach responsibility and will participate in the interdepartmental graduate program in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology. The position will be available May 1, 2014.

Research responsibilities will include fundamental and applied research and development work in international breeding and genetics with the incumbent choice of crop, expertise, and interest, and may focus in genomics, population genetics, or quantitative genetic theory. The major objective of the applied research is the development of improved varieties and germplasm. Publication of research in major scientific journals will be required. The incumbent will be required to:

1) Participate in attracting competitive grants and external funding to expand international linkages and collaborative programs from federal agencies, development agencies, foundations and commodity groups.

2) Work with MSU plant breeders to support Michigan breeding programs and develop collaborative research in international plant breeding using the cutting edge tools of modern biotechnology.

3) Attract international research fellows, interns, and visiting scholars to MSU and develop collaborative programs to provide opportunities for MSU students and breeders to get exposure and expand linkages to global plant breeding programs.

4) Organize international training programs, workshops, fora and conferences for sharing knowledge and exchange of experiences to help expand networks.

5) Provide leadership in teaching of CSS 441- Plant Breeding and Biotechnology

This position will be one of two fixed-term faculty level positions in the Center for Genomics-Enabled Plant Science, a new initiative at MSU focused on supporting and enabling genomics approaches in basic and applied plant science collaborations and consultations, support for MSU plant science faculty in thearea of genomics, bioinformatics, genetics, and breeding. Funding for staff personnel to support the mission of the Center will be provided.

To support these activities, numerous collaborative opportunities at MSU in the areas of genetics, genomics, agronomy, plant protection, and food science are available. A doctoral degree is required, with a preference in plant breeding and genetics or related plant science disciplines. Postdoctoral and international experience is preferred but not required.

Position duration: Funding for the position is available for five years. Following an initial three-year appointment, the position will be renewed annually based on satisfactory performance.

Application Procedure: Qualified applicants should submit a letter of application, a summary of research accomplishments and future research objectives, a statement of teaching interests, a description of outreach interests, a current resume, and contact information for three references. Applicants can apply for this position via the Search Committee, (link at https://jobs.msu.edu, (posting #8866). Questions can be directed to Dr. David Douches, Chair douchesd@msu.edu). Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2014. 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.

The newly formed Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, which includes the former Departments of Crop and Soil Sciences and Plant Pathology, is an internationally recognized department of more than 50 faculty members, with diverse interests spanning applied and fundamental research. With more than 150 microbial and plant science faculty at MSU?including vast expertise in microbe-soil-plant interactions?collaborative opportunities in the areas of microbial ecology and evolution, biogeochemistry, agricultural ecology, genomics, hydrology, biochemistry, and soil, water, and ecosystem sciences exist. Additionally, opportunities for adjunct appointments in university-level programs including Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, and access to diverse research support are available. Other opportunities for collaboration include the KBS Long-term Ecological Research site, the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center.

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