Assistant Professor - Plant Pathology

About The Department

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 programs in teaching, research, and extension. The department provides a rich environment for graduate education and training, tailored to students' career interests in basic sciences or extension.

Education and research programs offer hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. The department 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 includes 12 academic departments with 294 faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students, and 899 graduate students. It operates 18 research stations across the state to enhance interactions with farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners.

About the Role

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor to advance its undergraduate educational mission in plant pathology while developing a complementary research program. This is a 9-month faculty position with 60% teaching and 40% research responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Teaching and Mentoring:
  • Deliver and modernize core undergraduate plant pathology curriculum, including PP 315 (Principles of Plant Pathology) and its laboratory component, using innovative approaches such as active learning, case studies, emerging technologies, and distance education.
  • Contribute to graduate, team-taught, and specialized courses while shaping curriculum innovation and assessment.
  • Create meaningful opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with research and 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 engaging students in areas such as soilborne pathogens, fungal biology, and plant–soil–microbe interactions.
  • Pursue scholarly work, external support, and partnerships to expand research impact.
  • 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 to 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.
• Occasional opportunities to take on additional duties to build skills and explore new areas.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience:
  • PhD in Plant Pathology or related field.
  • 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, or other recognized contributions.
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex plant pathology concepts in teaching, research, or scholarly settings.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Innovative and effective teaching approaches, including active learning, case-based instruction, or technology-enhanced learning.
  • Mentorship of undergraduate or graduate students through research, teaching, or professional development.
  • Experience securing external research support or developing collaborative research initiatives.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration with academic, industry, extension, or other partners.
  • Active engagement in professional service, scholarly peer review, scientific societies, or outreach.
• Required License(s) or Certification(s):
  • Valid NC Driver’s License.

Benefits

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

Benefits eligibility is based on part-time or full-time employment status.