Position: Assistant/Associate Professor, Viticulture (9-month, tenure-track)

Location: Department of Plant Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

Effective Date: Screening of applicants will begin on February 20, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2023, or as negotiated.

Job Responsibilities: This position is an 75% research and 25% teaching appointment in the Department of Plant Sciences. The successful applicant will:

• Establish a nationally-recognized research program in viticulture that serves the needs of the grape and wine industry of Tennessee and the surrounding region
• Teach courses to meet departmental needs (i.e., introductory and advanced courses related to viticulture) and advise undergraduate students
• Actively participate in graduate student training and mentoring
• Provide leadership and scholarship in their research area
• Interact and work cooperatively with scientists at the University of Tennessee, other universities, government agencies, industry, and grower organizations (e.g., Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance)
• Collaborate with viticulture and enology faculty and Extension specialists in the Departments of Food Science and Plant Science at the University of Tennessee
• Seek extramural funding to support research, teaching, and mentoring programs
• Publish in refereed journals, present research findings, and participate in relevant scientific societies
• Foster an inclusive environment and contribute to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Tennessee and within the Department

Potential research focus areas may include, but are not limited to: impact of viticultural practices on vine physiology and wine grape yield and quality attributes, environmental regulation of phenological development, interaction of grape genetics and environment, development of low-tech protected culture systems for grape production, plant growth regulation to lessen impact of abiotic stresses, development of approaches to precisely match site attributes and management to grape cultivar genetics, and optimization of vineyard management practices (e.g., pest management, canopy management, vineyard floor vegetation management, soil and nutrient management).

The primary teaching expectations are an introductory course on viticulture and enology (in collaboration with Food Science Department faculty) and an advanced undergraduate course in viticulture, and to mentor graduate students and advise undergraduate students in the Plant Sciences major who have a primary interest in viticulture.

Apply through: https://apply.interfolio.com/119634 by including 1) Statement of research accomplishments and interests that includes a description of a proposed research program in viticulture (2 page maximum), 2) statement of teaching philosophy or approach (1 page), 3) statement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that includes how the applicant’s research, teaching, service, and community engagement could contribute to enhancing DEI (1 page) 4) a C.V., 5) unofficial copies of all college transcripts, and 6) the names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of three to five professional references. Both domestic and international candidates are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding the position should be directed by e-mail to the chair of the search committee: Dr. David Butler, dbutler@utk.edu.

 Required Qualifications:

• Applicants must have an earned doctorate by date of hire in Viticulture, Horticulture, Crop Science, Plant Science/Biology, Plant Genetics, Plant Pathology or a closely related discipline, with coursework and research experience in viticulture or fruit production
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish research related to viticulture or other fruit production systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse faculty, students, and clientele

Desired Qualifications:

• Teaching experience at the collegiate level
• Experience with grant writing
• Wine industry experience or the desire to cultivate links with the wine industry
• Experience with plant physiology and genetics, and analytical techniques for plant physiology
• Postdoctoral research experience