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 Data Science with a focus on data science applications in the plant sciences. 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 in data science. The focus should be on the development and implementation of data science approaches to the plant sciences (i.e. digital agriculture, biochemistry, molecular biology, plant-pathogen and plant-insect interactions, breeding and genetics, phenotyping, and/or related areas). In addition to developing an independent research program, the successful candidate will implement a collaborative research program that builds upon and expands the existing strengths of DPST. The incumbent will teach undergraduate courses in the application of data science to life sciences and will contribute to the development of a Master program with emphasis on data science in the life sciences.

DPST includes a diverse group of renowned faculty leading pioneering research in basic and applied plant sciences. The incoming faculty can also rely on excellent opportunities for collaborative research, including through the Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center, the MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, and the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG). MU has state-of-the-art facilities available for plant science research and high-power computing, as well as excellent research core facilities including Bioinformatics and Analytics, Genomics Technology, Metabolomics Center, Gehrke Proteomics Center, Plant Transformation, Advanced Light Microscopy, and Electron Microscopy cores. MU additionally houses the most powerful university research reactor in the United States that produces isotopes for research purpose and has capacity for plant imaging and analysis.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in plant biology, bioinformatics, data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, or related fields by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Relevant experience, particularly experience developing and applying data science approaches in plant sciences. 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: 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.

Applications should be submitted at the following website: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings for Job ID 54400.

Review of applications will begin January 31, 2025, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Contact: Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Felix Fritschi (fritschif@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.

Other Information: 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.