Research Assistant Professor/Research Associate Professor(Horticulture/Pomologist)

About the role

The incumbent will establish a world-class research program focused on innovative fruit and nut crop production systems that support orchard systems suited to the Texas climate and soils. The focus will be on alleviating horticultural challenges faced by small-scale farmers engaged in fruit and nut tree crop production. Research priorities include identifying suitable cultivars, sustainable propagation techniques, pest and disease management, fruit quality enhancement, post-harvest physiology, and climate resilience.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an orchard showcasing fruit/nut species adapted to the local area, and use orchard as a training site for students, communities, and home gardeners.
• Teach a course with laboratory and field exercises related to pomology.
• Train graduate and undergraduate students in fruit/nut production-related research as well as mentor postdoctoral researchers.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with PVAMU Extension on outreach activities and fact sheet development.
• Enhance research infrastructure, capabilities, and acquire research equipment.
• Participate in and support college-wide events, activities, and serve on committees.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in Horticulture with a focus in Pomology or a closely related discipline.
• Six years of related experience in fruit/nut crop production.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity including peer reviewed publications and extension bulletins, fact sheets, and workshops conducted.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated research expertise in fruit production research and managing fruit tree farms.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire external research grants.
• Ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to develop clear short-term and long-term research programs addressing major issues in fruit crop production.
• Experience conducting interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
• Demonstrated experience in extension, outreach and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others, i.e., collegiality.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.