The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses diverse disciplines in research extension and teaching. The department’s mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil, and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, devise effective and sustainable crop production systems, devise effective and sustainable soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings; and disseminate crop, soil, and environmental science knowledge for the benefit of users and producers of food, feed turf, biofuels and fiber in North Carolina, the nation and the world.
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses diverse disciplines in research, extension, and teaching to develop future leaders in crop, soil, and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, devise effective and sustainable crop production systems, develop effective and sustainable soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings. Personnel disseminate crop, soil, and environmental science knowledge for the benefit of users and producers of food, feed, turf, biofuels, and fiber in North Carolina, the nation and the world.
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is pleased to announce recruitment for a 12-month tenure-track Assistant Professor of Agroecology with formal appointments in Teaching (70%), Research (25%), and Service (5%).
This is an academic weighted position that will focus on leading the Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems B.S. major, teaching, recruiting and mentoring students in this program. Teaching responsibilities will include teaching at least 3 core agroecology courses each year, an Introduction to Agroecology course (CS 230), Advanced Agroecology course and lab (CS 430/530) and an online section of the CS 230 class. Additional responsibilities will include directing the Agroecology Education Farm, a 6-acre living learning field facility and experiential teaching resource for the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and located at the Lake Wheeler Field Station. The individual will supervise the Agroecology Education Farm manager, a position funded jointly with the department and NC State Dining who provides oversight for the farm production and supports class tours and projects, volunteers, and student interns.
Background: The Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems B.S. degree was established in 2018 as a cross departmental major between the departments of Crop and Soil Sciences and Horticultural Science where this position will advise the Agroecology Research and Production and Community Food Systems concentrations. The department of Horticultural Science is responsible for advising for the Urban Horticulture concentration. The candidate will work closely with the Department of Horticulture academic leadership to carry out collaborative recruitment strategies and effective communication for students across the major.
Candidates must have a substantial knowledge in agroecology and sustainable agriculture and demonstrated experience and commitment to teaching and mentoring. The applicant must have strong communication skills, and the ability to teach and develop new course materials as needed for Agroecology classes. Candidates should be passionate about teaching, advising, and mentoring all students and recruiting diverse students into the program including female students, students of color, and students with disabilities. Candidates should show interest in leadership development of students, advise students in internship and research program requirements, and serve as the Adviser for the department Agroecology Student Club. The successful candidate will lead student recruitment for this program and make a determined effort to interact with local, state related educational institutions and associations as well as coordinate with departmental and college recruitment efforts.
With the heavy teaching and advising load, a successful candidate will need to develop a collaborative research program. Efficiency and resilience of crop production systems could serve as a broad theme and would find natural alliances within the department and across the university. Additional research could also focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning in agroecology and agriculture education, hands-on learning, community engagement with diverse learners and other educational research. The individual will be expected to interact and work closely with multidisciplinary faculty in Crop and Soil Sciences, Horticultural Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agricultural Extension, and others at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), as well as across college departments at NC State University and other leaders nationally, and internationally.
N.C. State is diverse because it is a community of individuals from varied backgrounds and demographic categories; it encourages, accepts, and values a diversity of people and ideas; it seeks to promote an environment where equity, respect, and understanding represent the norm in the campus climate; and it seeks to prepare entrepreneurs who are effective citizens of a global community. As such, you are expected to contribute to an environment that is welcoming of all groups.
Review of candidates will commence on March 15, 2023 and continue until a suitable candidate is found.
Advertised Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D. degree in Agroecology, Crop Science, Horticultural Science, Soil Science, or closely related disciplines, with interdisciplinary experience an asset.
Department Required Skills
Demonstrated experience working in agricultural systems;
Demonstrated experience using systems approach to address agroecological topics;
Demonstrated teaching experience;
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal relations;
Strong ability to work on interdisciplinary teams and mentor students at all levels.
Preferred Qualifications
Teaching degree or certificates.
Successful record of collaboration, publication in refereed journals.
Postdoctoral or equivalent experience in a related discipline
Required License or Certification
A valid driver’s license is required for travel. Valid Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver’s Licence within 60 days of hire.
