Assistant Professor - DIH Climate Resiliency and Forage Production

Metadata: Full-time, nine-month tenure-track faculty position (60% research, 40% teaching) in the Department of Plant and Earth Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Funded by the Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub. Expected appointment start date: January 7, 2027.

About the Role

The Department of Plant and Earth Science is seeking an Assistant Professor to support the Crop and Soil Science Program. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in forage production research for the dairy industry, conduct applied research on forage crop production systems, and be committed to excellence in teaching at our primarily undergraduate institution. Opportunities exist for optional summer employment through research grants, teaching, and other funding sources.

The teaching load for this 40% teaching appointment will be approximately five (5) credit hours per semester, or ten (10) credit hours per academic year (the standard full-time teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester or 24 credit hours per academic year).

Responsibilities

Research (60%)

• Develop an applied research program focusing on forage production related to the U.S. dairy industry.
• Communicate research results to diverse audiences through forums such as professional scientific meetings, referred publications, dairy industry groups, and local producer groups.
• Develop collaborations and networks across the dairy industry, within local and state government, and throughout the Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub.
• Secure extramural funding sufficient to sustain a vibrant research program that includes the training and mentoring of undergraduate research students.

Teaching (40%)

• Develop and teach undergraduate courses in forage crop production, pasture production, and introductory plant science courses plus additional courses in the Crop Science discipline based on the successful candidate’s educational background and departmental needs.
• Develop innovative, student-centered courses and experiences that engage learners; regularly assess and revise curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the Crop and Soil Science Program.
• Advise undergraduate students and facilitate independent studies, internships, and other high-impact learning experiences.

Other

• Advise co-curricular activities including student organizations.
• Participate in university service and shared governance at the department, college, and university levels.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field. Applicants who have finished coursework and are still working on degree requirements may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their program within one year of the date of employment.
• Record of scholarship including peer-reviewed publications in crop production research.
• Strong interest and desire to teach undergraduate courses.
• Ability to effectively communicate to diverse audiences and commitment to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred

• Experience with on-farm forage production research related to the U.S. dairy industry.
• Documented successful undergraduate teaching in the Crop Science discipline including forage crop production and introductory plant science, teaching assistantships, or formal training for teaching in higher education.
• Experience with advising, mentoring, or supervising undergraduate students.
• Professional or dairy industry experience and/or connections.
• Record of success in obtaining grant funding.

Benefits

• Exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%.
• An attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave.

For more details, visit: Wisconsin Benefits Quick Guide.