Assistant Professor in Seed Pathology

About the role

The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology and the Seed Science Center in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in seed pathology. The position is 65% research, 30% teaching, and 5% service.

The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded, high-impact research program that engages students in plant pathology, seed pathology, and bioinformatics. The role includes access to extensive shared facilities for biological research, including -omics technology and high-performance computing, as well as interdisciplinary graduate programs.

The successful candidate will have an office and laboratory in the Seed Science Building, home to the globally recognized Seed Science Center. The Center is a leader in seed testing, research, education, and international programs, housing one of the largest public seed testing laboratories in the U.S.

Proposed start date: August 16, 2027. This is a full-time, 9-month position.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an externally funded, high-impact research program in seed pathology, with a focus on state-of-the-art diagnostic tools for seedborne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and fungi).
• Utilize high-throughput sequencing and computational pipelines in research.
• Engage students in research and teaching activities.
• Participate in service to the university and broader scientific community.
• Contribute to evidence-based, innovative teaching in plant pathology, seed pathology, and related disciplines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Science, or a closely related field with experience in seed pathology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of strong potential for conducting innovative research in seed pathology, including the development of diagnostic tests for pathogens.
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing and associated computational pipelines.
• Strong publication record in internationally recognized journals.
• Demonstrated potential for research mentoring and collaborative research.
• Potential for securing extramural funding.
• Potential for evidence-based, innovative teaching.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Generous leave plans.
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa).
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.