Assistant Professor - Plant Pathology

About the Department

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a varied portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners.

About the role

This is a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position with split responsibilities of 60% teaching and 40% research. The role provides leadership in delivering and evolving the undergraduate plant pathology curriculum, integrating active learning, case-based instruction, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to prepare students for careers and continued study in the discipline.

Responsibilities

• Teaching and Mentoring:
  • Deliver and modernize core undergraduate plant pathology curriculum, including PP 315 (Principles of Plant Pathology) and its laboratory component, through innovative approaches such as active learning, case studies, emerging technologies, and distance education.
  • Contribute to graduate, team-taught, and specialized courses while helping shape curriculum innovation and assessment across the program.
  • Create meaningful opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with research, discovery, and other experiential learning.
  • Mentor undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars in their academic and professional development.
• Research and Discovery:
  • Build and sustain an active, externally visible research program that complements departmental strengths and advances knowledge in plant pathology.
  • Develop collaborative research that engages students and connects teaching, discovery, and emerging areas such as soilborne pathogens, fungal biology, and plant–soil–microbe interactions.
  • Pursue scholarly work, external support, and partnerships that expand the reach and impact of your research.
  • Contribute to a culture of inquiry and discovery across the department and broader scientific community.
• Department Service and Professional Engagement:
  • Contribute to department, college, and university priorities through service, faculty governance, and academic leadership.
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and professional partnerships that strengthen teaching, research, and engagement.
  • Engage with the broader scientific community through professional leadership, manuscript and grant review, and scholarly activities.
  • Support outreach and initiatives that enhance the visibility and impact of the department and university while fostering a collegial and productive academic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: PhD in Plant Pathology or related field
• Other Required Qualifications:
  • Expertise in plant pathology or a closely related discipline, with knowledge applicable to areas such as plant disease diagnostics and management, fungal biology, soilborne pathogens, plant disease ecology, plant–soil–microbe systems, or epidemiology.
  • Evidence of an active scholarly agenda in plant pathology or a related field, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, manuscripts, or other recognized scholarly contributions, supporting the capacity to establish a research program that engages students, fosters collaboration, and contributes to the advancement of the plant pathology discipline.
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex plant pathology concepts through undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, research, presentations, or other scholarly and educational settings.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Innovative and effective approaches to teaching, including active learning, case-based instruction, technology-enhanced learning, or distance education.
  • Mentorship of undergraduate or graduate students through research, teaching, or other academic or professional development activities.
  • Secured external research support and/or developing collaborative research initiatives.
  • Working across disciplines and engaging with academic, industry, extension, or other partners to advance research, education, or outreach.
  • Active engagement in professional service, scholarly peer review, scientific societies, or outreach that contributes to the broader plant pathology community.
• Required License(s) or Certification(s): Valid NC Driver’s License

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs