Assistant Professor - Urban and Managed Landscapes

Position Overview

The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking talented candidates for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. This role will have a distribution of effort comprising 40% Research, 40% Teaching, and 20% Service, focusing on urban managed landscapes. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the US, and there is increasing demand for accessible greenspaces and recreational areas in urban areas. Turfgrasses are an important component of urban greenspaces, with the turf and related urban landscape industry representing a prominent economic engine for Massachusetts.

Responsibilities

The faculty member is expected to develop an interdisciplinary, nationally recognized, integrated program focused on sustainable urban landscape management. Areas of emphasis may include emerging technologies that enable precise water and nutrient management, incorporating resilient turfgrass and ornamental plants in urban green spaces, turfgrass-soil interactions, and weed biology and management. The successful candidate will collaborate with the UMass Extension Turf Team and the Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Team to develop research-based solutions and provide expertise and consultation to industry professionals, golf courses, sports turf managers, and other relevant stakeholders. Strong collaborative and interdisciplinary skills are essential.  Additionally, the candidate will be expected to publish research in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at conferences, and actively pursue external funding to support research and extension programs through grants and contracts.

Qualifications

-Ph.D. in agronomy, turfgrass science, soil science, or related fields. Degree requirements must be completed by the appointment start date. Postdoctoral experience is desirable.
-Demonstrated expertise in turfgrass management, agronomy, soil fertility, or abiotic and biotic stress management.
-Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications in reputable journals and presentations at conferences.
-Experience or potential in securing external funding for research.
-Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, with evidence of effective instruction and mentorship.
-Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and industry partners.

Preferred Level of Education

Ph.D.

How to Apply

Along with the application, please submit: 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position, 2) curriculum vitae (CV) detailing education, professional experience, publications, grants, and awards, 3) a statement of teaching philosophy and goals, 4) statement of research interests and goals, 5) statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion (see below), and 6) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applicants will begin December 1, 2024, and will continue until the ideal candidate is identified. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Geunhwa Jung (jung@umass.edu).

Application deadline: December 1, 2024

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.