Winifred Asbjornson Plant Sciences Endowed Chair-Assistant/Associate/Full Professor
Montana State University
Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25039 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Dr. Mark Quinn
mquinn@montana.edu
406-994-4707 Classification Title Working Title Winifred Asbjornson Plant Sciences Endowed Chair-Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Brief Position Overview The Winifred Asbjornson Plant Science Chair is an endowed chair funded primarily by the cereal grain industry in Montana to support expanded research capacity critical to grain growers across Montana and beyond. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank TT Position Number 4A5264 Department Microbiology & Cell Biology Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester Fall & Spring If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary range is $90,000 - $130,000 commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The position will be placed in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology or Department of Plant Science & Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture based on the candidate’s fit and interests.
The Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology has 25 tenure track faculty with strong research programs in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, and microbial pathogenesis, and cell biology all supported by state-of-the-art core facilities. Pathogen-containment facilities that accommodate small (BSL-3 & BSL-2) and large (ABSL-2) animal research are also available. The Department is part of the College of Agriculture and is a component of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). They are also the primary department at MSU providing pre-medical and pre-veterinary training. Our faculty are renowned for their expertise in biomedical and environmental research including neuroscience, infectious diseases, immunology, host/pathogen interactions, disease ecology, microbiome, cellular signaling and pathogen biology, biofilm biology, geomicrobiology, astrobiology, bioremediation and biofuels.
The Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology has 29 tenure track faculty, with major emphases on plant genetics and plant pathology and includes plant breeders, plant physiologists, horticulturists, cereal chemists, entomologists, plant pathologists and plant molecular biologists. The departmental research focus on plant genetics provides excellent opportunities for collaboration. The Department and University have state-of-the-art facilities for genomics and proteomics in addition to excellent plant growth facilities. Field research facilities are available both near campus and at seven Research Centers located strategically throughout the state. The Department offers both MS and PhD degrees in Plant Pathology and Plant Science. Duties and Responsibilities The Winifred Asbjornson Plant Sciences Chair will develop a competitive research program that will use modern techniques in plant cell & molecular biology and genomics to address problems that pose the greatest economic threats in cereal production agriculture in Montana. The Chair position will have an advisory council made up of representatives from Montana’s crop production industry. The incumbent will be expected to be successful in a highly collaborative and collegial environment with agronomists, breeders, entomologists, and plant pathologists within and external to the College of Agriculture to address the challenges of greatest economic significance. Current examples of issues of economic importance include resistance to wheat stem sawfly, herbicide resistance in economically important weeds, and heat stress in cereals. Future examples may include control of orange wheat blossom midge and other cereal pests, the role of micronutrients in cereal health, nitrogen management in low pH soils, and improvements in winter-hardiness of fall-seeded rotational crops. The Chair will contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate students and advising in plant cell biology, molecular genetics or metabolomics, genetics/breeding and/or other areas of interest. The faculty member is expected to engage with agricultural producers and organizations in the state for sharing research results and understanding research needs. He/she will provide appropriate public, departmental and university service. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills PhD in Cell Biology, Microbiology, Entomology, Plant Science or related field; Record of publishing in refereed journals; Research in cell/molecular genetics and/or metabolomic analyses relevant to crop improvement; Experience in teaching and student mentoring. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Experience working with cereal crops; Evidence of being successful in a highly collaborative research environment; Post-doctoral and faculty experience and demonstrated productivity in basic and applied biological research using plants; Excellent communication skills in technical and public communications; Demonstrated skills in working with a diverse group of students, researchers, and public including agricultural producers and organizations; Demonstrated application of research methods and technology to promote sustainable crop production. The Successful Candidate Will Have excellence in written and oral communications. Demonstrate the ability to work with varied students, colleagues, and community partners. Exhibit excellence in writing skills as evidenced by peer reviewed publications and/or awarded grants, and exceptional speaking/teaching skills as evidenced by national and/or international oral presentations and teaching experience. Be a dynamic and visionary scientist and educator who will advance MSU’s goals of outstanding research, teaching, and service that addresses the challenges of agriculture sector in Montana and beyond. Thrive and continue to be successful in a highly collaborative environment serving the stakeholders of Montana. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands Work among known allergens and work in inclement weather conditions.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program The Department The College MSU was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, the College of Agriculture is an integral part of fulfilling MSU’s land grant mission serving the sons and daughters of our state. The Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through hands-on learning; to serve through campus and community engagement; to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions; and to connect Montanans with the global community. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date January 1 or August 15, 2025 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on December 1, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions To apply please submit the following:
(1) Curriculum Vita;
(2) 2-3 page cover letter outlining your research plan to address issues of economic importance to cereal crop production as well as addressing each of the required and preferred qualifications.
Please note, this posting requires contact information for three professional references within your app profile. EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. FLSA Details FLSA Determination FLSA Status Exempt Applicant Documents Required Documents Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
mquinn@montana.edu
406-994-4707 Classification Title Working Title Winifred Asbjornson Plant Sciences Endowed Chair-Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Brief Position Overview The Winifred Asbjornson Plant Science Chair is an endowed chair funded primarily by the cereal grain industry in Montana to support expanded research capacity critical to grain growers across Montana and beyond. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank TT Position Number 4A5264 Department Microbiology & Cell Biology Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Academic Year Semester Fall & Spring If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary range is $90,000 - $130,000 commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The position will be placed in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology or Department of Plant Science & Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture based on the candidate’s fit and interests.
The Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology has 25 tenure track faculty with strong research programs in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, and microbial pathogenesis, and cell biology all supported by state-of-the-art core facilities. Pathogen-containment facilities that accommodate small (BSL-3 & BSL-2) and large (ABSL-2) animal research are also available. The Department is part of the College of Agriculture and is a component of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). They are also the primary department at MSU providing pre-medical and pre-veterinary training. Our faculty are renowned for their expertise in biomedical and environmental research including neuroscience, infectious diseases, immunology, host/pathogen interactions, disease ecology, microbiome, cellular signaling and pathogen biology, biofilm biology, geomicrobiology, astrobiology, bioremediation and biofuels.
The Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology has 29 tenure track faculty, with major emphases on plant genetics and plant pathology and includes plant breeders, plant physiologists, horticulturists, cereal chemists, entomologists, plant pathologists and plant molecular biologists. The departmental research focus on plant genetics provides excellent opportunities for collaboration. The Department and University have state-of-the-art facilities for genomics and proteomics in addition to excellent plant growth facilities. Field research facilities are available both near campus and at seven Research Centers located strategically throughout the state. The Department offers both MS and PhD degrees in Plant Pathology and Plant Science. Duties and Responsibilities The Winifred Asbjornson Plant Sciences Chair will develop a competitive research program that will use modern techniques in plant cell & molecular biology and genomics to address problems that pose the greatest economic threats in cereal production agriculture in Montana. The Chair position will have an advisory council made up of representatives from Montana’s crop production industry. The incumbent will be expected to be successful in a highly collaborative and collegial environment with agronomists, breeders, entomologists, and plant pathologists within and external to the College of Agriculture to address the challenges of greatest economic significance. Current examples of issues of economic importance include resistance to wheat stem sawfly, herbicide resistance in economically important weeds, and heat stress in cereals. Future examples may include control of orange wheat blossom midge and other cereal pests, the role of micronutrients in cereal health, nitrogen management in low pH soils, and improvements in winter-hardiness of fall-seeded rotational crops. The Chair will contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate students and advising in plant cell biology, molecular genetics or metabolomics, genetics/breeding and/or other areas of interest. The faculty member is expected to engage with agricultural producers and organizations in the state for sharing research results and understanding research needs. He/she will provide appropriate public, departmental and university service. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills PhD in Cell Biology, Microbiology, Entomology, Plant Science or related field; Record of publishing in refereed journals; Research in cell/molecular genetics and/or metabolomic analyses relevant to crop improvement; Experience in teaching and student mentoring. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Experience working with cereal crops; Evidence of being successful in a highly collaborative research environment; Post-doctoral and faculty experience and demonstrated productivity in basic and applied biological research using plants; Excellent communication skills in technical and public communications; Demonstrated skills in working with a diverse group of students, researchers, and public including agricultural producers and organizations; Demonstrated application of research methods and technology to promote sustainable crop production. The Successful Candidate Will Have excellence in written and oral communications. Demonstrate the ability to work with varied students, colleagues, and community partners. Exhibit excellence in writing skills as evidenced by peer reviewed publications and/or awarded grants, and exceptional speaking/teaching skills as evidenced by national and/or international oral presentations and teaching experience. Be a dynamic and visionary scientist and educator who will advance MSU’s goals of outstanding research, teaching, and service that addresses the challenges of agriculture sector in Montana and beyond. Thrive and continue to be successful in a highly collaborative environment serving the stakeholders of Montana. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands Work among known allergens and work in inclement weather conditions.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program The Department The College MSU was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, the College of Agriculture is an integral part of fulfilling MSU’s land grant mission serving the sons and daughters of our state. The Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through hands-on learning; to serve through campus and community engagement; to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions; and to connect Montanans with the global community. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date January 1 or August 15, 2025 Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on December 1, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions To apply please submit the following:
(1) Curriculum Vita;
(2) 2-3 page cover letter outlining your research plan to address issues of economic importance to cereal crop production as well as addressing each of the required and preferred qualifications.
Please note, this posting requires contact information for three professional references within your app profile. EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. FLSA Details FLSA Determination FLSA Status Exempt Applicant Documents Required Documents Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
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