Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Turfgrass Pathology Specialist
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Turfgrass Pathology Specialist
Tenure Track Faculty – 12 Month Appointment (40% Research, 50% Extension, 10% Teaching)
Position Number: 120706
POSITION INTRODUCTION
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) invites applications for a 12-month tenuretrack position of Assistant Professor with a 50% Extension, 40% Research, and 10% Teaching appointment. The tenure home is the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park, MD. The Department conducts research, extension activities and teaches curricula focusing on Plant Biology (Turfgrass Science, Plant Pathology, Plant Biology and Landscape Management), Agriculture Science and Technology (Horticulture, Agronomy) and Landscape Architecture.
The University of Maryland, College Park, MD, is a Land Grant institution with world-class research and Extension components located in suburban Washington, DC. The 1300-acre campus has outstanding research libraries and Metrorail access to national and international research institutions, government agency and non-governmental organization headquarters, and significant cultural landmarks. There are excellent opportunities for collaboration with across departments and colleges on campus. Further, proximity to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, and Maryland’s Biotechnology Corridor offers opportunities for interaction with a range of nearby agencies and research institutions including USDA, Smithsonian Institution, EPA, NPS, and NSF. The NSF-sponsored Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center associated with campus provides potential and resources for collaborative synthetic research integrating social and environmental science. Excellent field research, greenhouse and laboratory facilities are available; and access to nearby field sites is unparalleled due to our location near myriad juxtaposed land uses, as well as to the 6,600 acres USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and multiple University of Maryland Research and Education Centers located in different ecological provinces.
In addition, the Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility, located at the edge of campus, consists of 35 acres of land on USDA property. Approximately half of the research facility has an in-ground irrigation system. The facility
possesses the capabilities to support nearly every aspect of turf research. The main office building contains a classroom, laboratory, conference room, and offices for faculty, graduate students, and support staff. Research
support buildings include a pesticide storage building, a plant prep building and equipment storage building.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Research:
- Development of an internationally-recognized, extramurally-funded turfgrass pathology research program. This program should include both basic and applied research. Applied research should be directed towards identifying emerging turfgrass pathogen problems and developing integrated management practices to control turfgrass diseases.
Extension:
- Serving the Maryland turfgrass industry which is comprised of a diverse clientele including golf course superintendents, professional lawn care companies, athletic field managers, sod producers, industry representatives, and government agencies.
- Writing and updating Extension publications; presenting information at educational meetings; assisting in the coordination of existing and new educational events including an annual conference and biennial field
day; developing training materials for pesticide recertification; and conducting in-service training for Extension educators. - Playing an active advisory role in state turfgrass organizations to include the Maryland Turfgrass Council, Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Shore Associations of Golf Course Superintendents, Maryland Turfgrass
Association, and Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Sports Turf Mangers Association.
Teaching:
- The individual selected will be expected to teach one undergraduate course biennially in either turfgrass pathology or pest management strategies for turfgrasses.
- The incumbent will be expected to recruit and mentor graduate students.
Additional Duties:
- Faculty members are expected to serve the professional community through review of publications and participation on competitive grant panels, in national and international professional meetings, and other
activities. - It is also expected that this individual will participate in other duties and committees as required by the department, college, and university; and interact with organizations representing their field in the state and
region.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Ph.D. in a plant science, plant pathology, microbiology, or related discipline.
- Demonstrated expertise in plant disease etiology and epidemiology; traditional and molecular techniques used in plant pathology; fungal taxonomy; control strategies; and statistics.
- A demonstrated ability to publish original research in top tier peer-reviewed journals.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member and possession of excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred:
- Expertise working with diseases of turfgrasses would receive greater consideration.
- Experience in writing grant proposals and strong leadership skills.
Application Process: All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. When applying, please submit cover letter; resume; copy of unofficial transcripts; and name and email address of 3 professional references.
Closing Date: Open Until Filled. For best consideration, apply by September 1, 2021.
The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.