The Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU), a land-grant institution, seeks an Assistant Professor in Root Biology. This 9-month tenure-track faculty position is located at MU’s main campus in Columbia, MO.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to establish a high-profile and externally funded research program aimed at generating a fundamental understanding of root biology to resolve major biological problems and translating this knowledge to the improvement of crops under stress. Particularly desired is an applicant who uses transdisciplinary approaches (e.g., may include but is not limited to plant physiology, developmental biology, rhizosphere biology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, soil science, computational science, and synthetic biology) to identify key physiological, biochemical, and/or developmental properties of roots related to grand biological/environmental challenges (e.g. climate change) that translate to important agronomic traits. The successful candidate will develop a collaborative research program that builds upon and expands the existing strengths of DPST in root biology. In addition to this research mission, the incumbent will teach courses that contribute to the graduate and undergraduate curriculum in DPST. Dependent on the expertise of the candidate, the course load can, for example, include an undergraduate course in agroecology and a graduate course in root/rhizosphere biology.

DPST includes a diverse group of renowned faculty leading pioneering research in basic and applied aspects of plant sciences. The incoming faculty can also rely on excellent collaborative research programs such as the campus-wide Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG), one of the top fundamental plant biology research and training programs in the nation. MU has state-of-the-art facilities available for plant science research including the Bond Life Science Center, the Plant Transformation Core Facility, a well-equipped Genomics Technology Core, Proteomics and Metabolomics Centers, modern plant growth facilities, agricultural experiment stations, an imaging center, and an electron microscopy core. MU additionally houses the most powerful university research reactor in the United States, with capacity for plant imaging and analysis.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Crop Sciences, Ecology, or related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Relevant postdoctoral experience. Experience in root biology, a demonstrated interest in grand biological/environmental challenges, and an enthusiasm for translating fundamental findings into crop improvement. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative and transdisciplinary team. Ability to secure funding. Proven experience in data analysis and writing (e.g., grant proposals, peer-reviewed publications). Teaching experience and vision for graduate and undergraduate education.

Application Materials: To apply for this position, please visit the MU website at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ - Job ID 53811. Please submit a resume with a list of recent publications, a 2-page cover letter in which the experiences and the suitability for the advertised position are clearly described, a 2-page research statement notably describing the transdisciplinary and collaborative aspects of the research program, a 2-page statement of teaching philosophy and experience, and the contact information for at least three references.

Review of applications will begin December 2, 2024, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Marc Libault (libaultm@missouri.edu), Chair of the Search Committee, at the University of Missouri.

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu.

The University of Missouri campus is located in Columbia, MO, a vibrant and growing college town of over 120,000 with a high quality of life and relatively low cost of living.  Columbia is located in central Missouri, half-way between Kansas City and St. Louis, about 2 hours from each of those metropolitan areas.  Missouri is a state with both a strong agriculture base and abundant natural areas for recreation and enjoyment.  Learn more about Columbia and Missouri at https://www.visitcolumbiamo.com.

Benefits: The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.