Assistant Extension Specialist in Agronomy

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The Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking applicants for a tenure-track faculty position in Agronomy at the Assistant Extension Specialist (Assistant Professor) level. The Department is committed to the pursuit of excellence by increasing their on-the-ground commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eligible candidates should have a background in agronomy, precision agriculture, crop ecology, water/nutrient management, soil health and fertility or closely related fields. As an Extension specialist the successful candidate will conduct applied and basic research on agronomic field crops (grain, forage, fiber), precision agriculture, new technologies (drones, wireless sensors, robots, etc.), crop nutrition, soil water/nutrient management, as well as provide extension outreach and support for these commodities and stakeholders within the state and region.

The position is at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center ( RAREC) in southern New Jersey (Cumberland County), a 285-acre NJ Agricultural Experiment Station research farm with ample and suitable laboratories, greenhouses, and fully irrigated research fields with wireless connectivity for equipment and sensors. RAREC is a modern facility which has recently received significant physical renovations and new farming equipment. There will be opportunities to lead and collaborate on research with faculty on-campus ( SEBS, New Brunswick, NJ) and off-campus, including county agricultural agents throughout the state. Other off-campus NJAES facilities with research fields include the Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research and Extension Farm in Pittstown, NJ (Hunterdon County) and the Rutgers Specialty Crop Research and Extension Center in Cream Ridge, NJ (Monmouth County).

Farming and agriculture are key activities for New Jersey, ranking third in importance to the state's economy behind pharmaceuticals and tourism. Among agricultural commodities in the state, agronomic crops occupy the largest acreage, largely for crops such as corn (grain & silage), soybeans, winter wheat, hay and alfalfa. Among the topics of profitability and sustainability relevant to these commodities include climate change impacts on yields, precision agriculture and new technologies (drones, robots, remote sensing), efficient use of irrigation water and fertilizers, soil health and ecology practices to reduce environmental impacts, and agrivoltaics among others.

The successful candidate is expected to develop an extramurally funded, nationally recognized research program focused on the management of agronomic crops produced in New Jersey. The Department of Plant Biology, NJAES, RAREC and Rutgers Cooperative Extension ( RCE) house a multidisciplinary team of colleagues and staff committed to enhancing the profitability and sustainability of agriculture through research, extension outreach and teaching activities.

Applicants are expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate student success through active participation with departmental colleagues in classroom instruction, experiential learning opportunities, internships, directed research, and community engagement activities.

Extension scholarship and outreach to the grower community is aimed at educating stakeholders on the integral and practical applications of crop management, precision agriculture, soil health and nutrient management and others, leading to successful implementation for improved cultivation and production.

Key responsibilities for this position include:

* Develop an impactful research and extension program, and collaborate on others with county-based agricultural agents and statewide extension specialists, to significantly contribute to the economic viability of agronomic commodities in New Jersey.

* Identify critical needs and areas of concern impacting New Jersey's agronomic field crops (grain, forage, fiber), and develop working relationships with related external agencies and industry partners.

* Employ a variety of educational outreach and delivery methods to disseminate evidence-based information that helps agricultural audiences understand, evaluate, and adopt sustainable new practices and technologies. Methods and activities include field visits, educational meetings, workshops, short courses, newsletters and factsheets and online presence in platforms like the Rutgers Plant and Pest Advisory, web-based tools.

* Document and track program impact based on stated objectives, develop effective evaluation techniques, and provide timely impact reporting to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension state office.

In general, the successful candidate should complement existing faculty in the Department of Plant Biology, SEBS, RAREC, NJAES and RCE, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university's mission and values, and serve on department, college, and university committees as fitting a tenure-track position.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey hosts one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States. Our institution is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion ( DEI) and a priority is that our faculty reflect our student and state population and is outlined in the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan ( https://diversity.rutgers.edu). We especially encourage applications from backgrounds underrepresented in plant sciences including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ scientists.

Rutgers is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals covered by Section 503 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Section 402 of the Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 may self-identify. If you wish to self-identify, please do so in the cover letter transmitting your CV.

Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate in agronomy, crop or plant science, or a related biological discipline. Postgraduate training such as post-doctoral research or other research experience is preferred. A record of accomplishment (publications, grants, plant variety releases, etc.) demonstrating the potential for success. Knowledge and understanding of cooperative extension principles, mission and roles is desirable. The candidate must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to function effectively in classroom, field and laboratory environments.

To apply: Interested candidates are to apply online at https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/244543

and submit a single PDF that includes a letter of application, curriculum vitae, concise statement of research and extension interests, teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information for at least four professional references. We encourage applicants to describe (in a separate statement or in the application letter) how their research, teaching, service, and community engagement could contribute to enhancing DEI at Rutgers University and the Department. Instructions can be found at https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/diversity-statement-instructions.php.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Raul I. Cabrera, Search Committee Chair, cabrera@njaes.rutgers.edu

Active review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Plant Biology Dept., 59 Dudley Road - Foran Hall, New Brunswick, NJ 08901