Title: Extension Specialist in Weed Science for Turfgrass, Landscapes, Pastures and Forages
Appointment: Faculty position; Extension Specialist in Weed Science for Turfgrass, Landscapes, Pastures and Forages at the assistant or associate professor level. The position is tenure-track or, if appropriate, tenured
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Nature and Purpose: The Specialist is a member of the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, and provides statewide leadership to county and state faculty and others serving the turfgrass, landscape, pasture and forage industries and related fields. The Specialist provides expertise in weed science through research and interpretation of research results in the area of improved management and environmental practices, including weed ecology and management. The Specialist develops and coordinates the materials and resources supporting county and state educational programming in weed science and management. Through research and engagement with the New Jersey turfgrass, landscape, pasture and forage industries, the Specialist provides support for the long-term health of these industries and serves as a critical bridge in networking with allied fields.
New Jersey's diverse landscapes provide a vast array of research and extension opportunities for weed management in suburban and urban horticultural systems that border and interconnect with agriculture. We seek a faculty member that uses interdisciplinary and multifaceted approaches to address weed science and management by employing novel and state-of-the-art approaches including ecology and basic biology applied to areas such as sustainable landscaping, invasive species, herbicide resistance, IPM, and organic management. Numerous opportunities exist to develop strong collaborative programs with the golf, sports, landscape (commercial, residential, restoration), and equine industries. The Center for Turfgrass Science and the Equine Science Center are outstanding units at Rutgers University from which to develop excellent research and extension teams to address critical issues in weed science and management.
Qualifications: A Ph.D. in weed science, plant science, plant ecology, agronomy, horticulture or a related discipline from an accredited institution is required. Previous faculty, industry, or postdoctoral experience is preferred. The ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff and clientele is expected. The successful candidate must have the ability to garner competitive grant funding; organize and evaluate educational programs; plan and execute research that contributes to the advancement of an innovative, nationally-recognized research program that leads to measurable impacts; supervise professional staff (e.g., postdoctoral associates, technicians) in planning, conducting and disseminating research-based results and recommendations to stakeholders including industry professionals; and understand and practice the philosophy of cooperative endeavors by teaming with specialists, agents, state agencies, stakeholders, industry professionals, and researchers in other disciplines and in other states as necessary.
Applications: Active review of materials will begin August 15, 2015 and continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate is anticipated to begin on January 1, 2016. Salary is commensurate with experience. Candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, concise statement of extension and research objectives, and the names of three professional references either electronically or by mail to Dr. Albrecht Koppenhöfer, Search Committee Chair, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 93 Lipman Dr, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8524; koppenhofer@aesop.rutgers.edu.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Rutgers, The State University of NJ is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ the best qualified individual without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap or disability, or marital, military, or veteran's status. 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 curriculum vita. Employment eligibility verification required.
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