University of Wisconsin-Madison Seeks Forage Systems Agroecologist
Position title
Tenure track or tenured Forage Systems Agroecologist pOSITION SUMMARY
Humanity's grand challenge for the 21st Century is providing food security and sovereignty while building the capacity for future generations to do the same. This starts with reducing soil and nutrient runoff, minimizing groundwater contamination, fostering biodiversity, supporting thriving communities, and helping to stabilize the climate. Developing, improving, and expanding perennial or continuous cover agroecosystems is a critical part of achieving this goal. Continuous cover agroecosystems include permanent pastures, forages, perennial crops, and other cropping systems that mitigate environmental concerns while also providing feed for livestock. This vision of sustainability is central to our collective mission at the UW-Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences and Department of Agronomy.
Thus, the Department of Agronomy seeks a 9-month tenure track or tenured Forage Systems Agroecologist to address this challenge. The position carries a commitment to the three important functions of instruction, research, and outreach, as well as professional and university service as appropriate to the faculty rank. The incumbent will be expected to develop and grow an extramurally-funded research and Extension program recognized at the state, regional, national, and international levels. The Forage Systems Agroecologist should possess strong system thinking skills and the ability to integrate biological, physical, and economic variables that interact within and among agroecosystems at the field, farm, and landscape levels. The incumbent will develop and lead research and Extension programs that embody the Agronomy department and college mission statements. The incumbent will also develop, lead and partner with collaborative teams to obtain funding to develop, manage, and increase adoption of agroecosystems that fit the aforementioned challenges. Commitment to Extension and outreach activities and documenting impact of efforts is a critical component of this position, as is mentoring, supporting and developing students in a collaborative environment. The Department of Agronomy is committed to inclusivity and diversity therefore, we strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote these values.
Principal Duties:
The candidate will be expected to:
1. CALS Extension-funded faculty are expected to generate, translate, and apply research-based knowledge and methods to issues and problems by integrating research and educational activities into a coherent body of work. CALS Extension-funded faculty are expected to provide leadership in the design, development, and implementation of educational programs and to document the impact of these efforts.
2. Develop an independent, externally-funded and recognized Extension and research program at the state, regional, national, and international levels.
3. Teach graduate and undergraduate students, commensurate with college expectations and consistent with the teaching loads of the department. Mentor students and promote their development and success in a collaborative environment.
4. Contribute to outreach and service functions of the department, college, university, and professional societies.
5. Contribute to programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department, college, and university. Promote an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities.
Education:
PhD or other terminal degree, or a degree at least one level above the level of instruction, or otherwise approved as qualified by the Dean
PhD or other terminal degree, or a degree at least one level above the level of instruction, or otherwise approved as qualified by the Dean
Degree specialization: A PhD in Agronomy, Agroecology, Plant Science, Crop Science, Landscape Ecology, or related fields is required.
Qualifications:
Candidates must have a strong foundation in the principles and concepts of agricultural sciences, research experience and demonstrated ability to communicate (oral and written) to clientele and stakeholders (e.g., farmers, crop consultants, agribusiness representatives).
We encourage applicants of any rank. At the rank of Associate Professor, the candidate's qualifications must be sufficient to meet the requirements for tenure in the Department of Agronomy, in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.
We encourage applicants of any rank. At the rank of Associate Professor, the candidate's qualifications must be sufficient to meet the requirements for tenure in the Department of Agronomy, in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.
How to Apply:
Applicants can find relevant information about the Department of Agronomy at https://agronomy.wisc.edu, and any questions regarding the position may be directed to the position search committee chair, Dr. Shawn P. Conley, spconley@wisc.edu. Apply here: https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/job/511198/faculty-forage-systems-agroecologist
To receive assured consideration apply by 1/1/2022. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.
Applicants should upload the following information as a single PDF document:
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information of three potential letter-writers
4. Two-page statement of research interests and future research plans, highlighting your fit to this position and how you would complement the departmental expertise
5. Two-page statement of Extension philosophy, approach and experiences
6. One-page statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy, approach and experiences
7. One-page statement on how your scholarship, teaching, and mentoring foster an inclusive and diverse academic community
8. One PDF document demonstrating a representative sample of published papers (3 max)
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information of three potential letter-writers
4. Two-page statement of research interests and future research plans, highlighting your fit to this position and how you would complement the departmental expertise
5. Two-page statement of Extension philosophy, approach and experiences
6. One-page statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy, approach and experiences
7. One-page statement on how your scholarship, teaching, and mentoring foster an inclusive and diverse academic community
8. One PDF document demonstrating a representative sample of published papers (3 max)
Contact:
Shawn Conley
spconley@wisc.edu
608-800-7056
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1 (out-of-state: TTY: 800.947.3529, STS: 800.833.7637) and above Phone number (See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. )
spconley@wisc.edu
608-800-7056
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1 (out-of-state: TTY: 800.947.3529, STS: 800.833.7637) and above Phone number (See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. )
Department of Agronomy Mission
The mission of the Department of Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is to enrich the benefits provided to humans by agroecosystems while building the capacity for future generations to do the same. We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment as we integrate research, teaching, extension, and outreach to improve the quantity and quality of agroecosystem yields while building soil, conserving water, retaining nutrients, and promoting biodiversity. We develop theories, conduct experiments, and integrate and disseminate knowledge from a variety of disciplines including plant and microbial sciences; ecology; and soil, water and atmospheric sciences. We train and develop the next generation of agronomic scientists and practitioners, while co-learning and engaging agricultural innovation to the people of Wisconsin and the world.
Department of Agronomy Vision
The Department of Agronomy is a community of world leaders in agricultural sciences generating new knowledge and solutions for novel and improved production practices and improved agroecosystem health. We aim to attract, recruit and train the best and brightest minds in the world with a focus on applied, interdisciplinary education founded on a positive, engaging, and inclusive working environment. We encourage innovation and risk-taking in the quest for cultivating healthy agroecosystems and creating a more sustainable world.
University of Wisconsin Madison
Mission: To advance and share knowledge, discover solutions and promote opportunities in food and agriculture, bioenergy, health, the environment and human well-being.
Vision: To lead in science, innovation and collaboration that improves life and sustains the natural world.
UW-Madison is one of the world's premier research universities, with more than 16,000 faculty, staff, and graduate assistants, who, collectively, support the research, teaching and public service missions of the university. The 963-acre campus is located on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is consistently ranked among the top 5 small U.S. cities to live in because of its cultural and ethnic diversity, affordable cost of living, low unemployment, and excellent public schools. The University of Wisconsin-Madison attracts a diverse body of outstanding graduate students from around the world and provides state-of-the art research and teaching facilities, both in Madison and at multiple agricultural research stations throughout the state. Madison is a picturesque city with a strong economy and a vibrant cultural environment.
UW Agricultural Research Stations
The UW Madison Agricultural Research Station Network is comprised of 12 unique sites. These sites sit on 8000 acres of tillable farm land that represents many of the soil types found in the State of Wisconsin. The facilities available to researchers and support staffed are valued at over $45 million, and houses over $8.5 million worth of farming and research equipment. The research mission of the Agricultural Research Stations is support by approximately 110 permanent employees and 50 seasonal staffers.
The UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.