Description

Dr. Melinda Knuth and Dr. Brian Jackson at NC State University are looking for a highly motivated post-doc that will help lead a new Sustainability Initiative for the Floriculture Industry in North America. This project will include a comprehensive review and collection of current and proposed sustainability projects, reports, goals, and initiatives found in published literature and other online sources, both domestically and internationally across all horticulture and allied industries. The ultimate goal of this position is to conduct a thorough and industry-leading assessment and action plan of sustainability practices that can be synthesized in a usable format to serve as a resource for horticultural producers, retailers, and other industry members. The candidate must have a strong motivation and proficiency in academic communications. This position will be funded for two years thanks to a grant from the American Floral Endowment.

The position will work independently, will interact with collaborating horticulture industry sponsors, and must be able to coordinate activities and reports with a diverse audience of individuals. The position will be responsible for writing industry reports, academic manuscripts and prepare presentations, conducting extensive information synthetization and organization, determine barriers and opportunities for firms to apply sustainable practices, and establish call-to-action plans with industry sponsors and PI’s that can serve as communication guides to Green Industry members.

Additional information about this project: https://endowment.org/sustainability/

Apply here: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/170664

Duration: Two (2) years [2023-2024]

Hopeful/Intended Start Date: January 2023, or sooner if possible. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

Other Work/Responsibilities

The position will be responsible for coordinating an online repository of resources collected, interviewing industry professionals, organizing webinar presentations on results and findings, assisting in presentation of time series charts of sustainability practices and supply chain sustainability, and organizing a roundtable discussion with industry experts. This position will have the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The position will be working under the supervision of Dr. Melinda Knuth, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Brian Jackson, Professor, at NC State University in the Horticultural Science Department. Drs. Knuth’s research aims focus on the interface between people and plants, helping the horticulture industry understand consumer preferences, perceptions, and motivations. Historically, Dr. Knuth has evaluated trade flows of horticulture products in the United States, assessed the supply chain in the cut flower industry, investigated profit margins in substituting species in floral arrangements, and estimated consumer acceptance of retail messaging. Dr. Jackson is the Director of the Horticultural Substrates Laboratory and conducts research on the development and characterization of soilless substrates used in the production of horticultural crops grown in soilless growing systems. His expertise is in the engineering and utilization of engineered wood fiber products used in soilless substrates. His team works very closely with the domestic and international growing media industry to foster innovation and economic solutions to current and future challenges facing growers and other consumers of growing media products.

Drs. Knuth and Jackson’s labs are located at NC State University in Raleigh, NC.

See also:

Dr. Jackson:

https://woodsubstrates.cals.ncsu.edu/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-jackson-ncsu/

Dr. Knuth:

https://cals.ncsu.edu/horticultural-science/people/mjknuth/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mknuth/

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Earned Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., M.D., D.V.M., Sc.D.) in appropriate field awarded no more than five (5) years from initial date of postdoctoral appointment.

Required Skills

• PhD in Agriculture Communications, Horticulture, Science Communication, Sustainability areas within agriculture or allied industries, or a degree in agricultural science with demonstrated experience in excellent science communication or extension experience.
• Documented training and experience in sustainability topics/initiatives, assessment, etc.
• Ability to manage more than one project in a rapid and smooth manner while being able to interact and communicate with research personnel from diverse disciplines.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work independently and creatively.
• Must have good communications skills, and be able to articulate clearly the scientific and technical needs in the field, as well as set clear goals, and work with both academic and industry partners.
• Attention to detail and follow-through of deliverables and deadlines is essential.

Other Qualifications

• Excellent written and spoken communication in English.
• Strong publication record in scientific (refereed) journals.
• Ability and willingness to travel (conferences, meetings, etc.) nationally and internationally.
• Background or strong understanding of the North American horticultural (specifically floriculture) industry.