INTRODUCTION

The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) at the University of Connecticut (UConn), part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is pleased to invite applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The position is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position, with 50% research and 50% teaching appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. 

The successful candidate is expected to support the departmental teaching mission; establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program; secure competitive grants; recruit and advise students; fulfill committee assignments supporting the mission of the Department, College, and University; and provide leadership to professional societies and industry committee/taskforce initiatives.

We are seeking a research scholar who will establish a program with impactful research in CEA. We seek individuals with particular interest and experience in the optimization of production systems, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability of CEA for the production of horticultural crops. 

Teaching responsibilities will include two to three courses per year that meet the needs of the undergraduate and graduate programs within PSLA. Existing course responsibilities include the Greenhouse Technology and Operations lecture and laboratory. The successful candidate will develop courses in the area of their expertise that meet departmental needs. Other duties include advising undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and contributing to departmental, College, and University service activities. 

Priority consideration will be given to exceptional candidates with evidence of their ability to conduct and publish high-impact research, ability to acquire external research funding, excellence in teaching, and strong interest and skills in advising and mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scientists. An ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of industry, faculty, staff, and students across the University is required. 

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in plant science, horticulture, or a closely related discipline completed by the start of employment. 
• Experience conducting research on evaluating or optimizing CEA systems for plant growth and production. 
• Demonstrated track record of published research in scientific peer-reviewed journals. 
• A clearly articulated vision to develop research in CEA that is high impact and externally funded complementary to Department needs. 
• Experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses as a co-instructor or teaching assistant. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Combined degrees and experience in plant-related fields and systems engineering. 
• Track record of successful grantsmanship commensurate with the applicant’s career level. 
• Evidence of leadership in professional organizations and/or collaborative research. 
• Experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses as instructor of record. 
• Mentoring graduate students or postdoctoral research scientists. 
• Demonstrated commitment to and/or record of efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Faculty may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses as part of their ordinary workload. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26548 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter (one page; that addresses how the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications, why the applicant is the best fit for the position, and how your work at UConn will contribute to one or more of CAHNR's strategic priorities)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research and scholarship statement (up to two pages; with an articulated vision to develop research in CEA that is high impact and externally funded complementary to department needs, scholar goals for the next five to ten years, innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development and grant acquisition, publication rate and quality, mentorship of graduate students, etc.)
• Commitment to diversity statement (one page; including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.) 
• Selected peer-reviewed journal articles (up to five) 
• Names and contact information for three references 

The review of applications will begin on January 12, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about the position should be directed to: Dr. Rosa Raudales (rosa.raudales@uconn.edu).

For more information regarding the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, please visit the Department's website at https://psla.uconn.edu/.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.