Assistant Professor/Ornamental & Landscape Horticulture

About the role

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PES) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is searching for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Horticulture with an emphasis on Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture. The 9-month position is 75% teaching and 25% research and outreach. The successful candidate will build upon the department’s long-term commitment to Urban Horticulture, focusing on resilient landscape design, urban ecology, biodiversity, horticulture in the built environment, plant selection, and regenerative agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses including Introduction to Plant Science, Hydroponics, Landscape Design, Ornamental Plants, Care and Selection of Houseplants, and Seminar; develop new courses in urban-agricultural interface topics.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students; provide leadership in PES horticulture research and teaching programs; assist with job placements, internships, and co-advise the NMSU Horticulture Forum.
• Engage in service to the profession, university, college, and departmental committees; conduct outreach with stakeholders such as Master Gardeners, New Mexico State Forestry Division, New Mexico Grown Coalition, municipalities, and urban planners.
• Collaborate across departments and colleges, including Agricultural Science Centers, with specialists in horticulture, soils, agribusiness, education, crop breeding, economics, plant genetics, physiology, nutrition, renewable energy, and social sciences.
• Develop a research program in sustainable landscaping, permaculture, urban food systems, climate-resilient landscape design, urban ecology, green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, or human health and social sustainability.
• Foster collaborations and participate in activities supporting the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS).

Requirements

• Ph.D. (awarded by hire date) in Horticulture/Plant Science, Landscape Architecture, Agricultural Sustainability/Sustainable Design, Regenerative Landscaping, or a closely related field.
• Evidence of teaching and research experience in urban horticulture, regenerative agriculture, landscape design, or urban improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse audiences including students, academics, industry, and stakeholders.
• Record of publishing research in leading outlets with potential to compete for external funding.
• Ability to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and mentor diverse students in a multicultural environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in experimental design and analysis; postdoctoral experience and attraction of extramural support.
• Evidence of engaging students, community members, and scientists on horticulture-related issues.
• Research and teaching experience in landscape design, landscape resilience, productive landscapes, and food systems.
• Demonstrated ability to develop a nationally recognized program in resilient landscape design, regenerative agriculture, and/or urban agriculture.