Position Description: The Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, invites applications for a Tenure-track Position in Plant Cell Wall Biology.
The 12-month, Assistant Professor position is 60% research and 40% teaching.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to establish an innovative, extramurally funded research program on the biology, development and degradation of plant cell walls and associated ligno-cellulosic structures. Research should focus on utilization of cellulosic compounds by the emerging biofuels industries and by economically important food-animal (livestock) species.
The University of Missouri has a long history of collaboration within the Division of Plant Sciences and with other teams of scientists across campus. The candidate will be expected to explore collaborative opportunities with the Interdisciplinary Plant Group, the University of Missouri Center for Sustainable Energy and teams of scientists working on thermo-chemical conversion of biomass, pasture-based dairies, and the forage-based beef industry.
Accessible to the candidate are excellent laboratory and field research facilities (both on and off-campus research centers) within the Missouri Agricultural Experiment station network.
The successful candidate is expected to participate in the Undergraduate and Graduate teaching and service missions of the Division of Plant Science.
Teaching responsibilities include an undergraduate forage crops class, as well as a new course in bio-energy crops. Future teaching opportunities could include self- or team-taught Graduate courses in the candidate's area of expertise.
Qualifications: The applicant must have a Ph.D. degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Sciences or related field. Effective oral and written communications skills are required. Training in the development, degradation, biochemistry or physiology of cell walls, as they relate to the biofuels and/or food-animal industries is desirable. Postdoctoral experience is also desirable.
Applications: Each applicant should electronically submit to
PlantSci@missouri.edu the following items, in MSWord or PDF format:
a letter of application, a curriculum vita, transcripts, a list of four references and their contact information and reprints of major publications.
Hard copies of required materials may be sent to:
Christa Smith, ESA
University of Missouri
Division of Plant Sciences
Agriculture Bldg., Rm. 1-41
Columbia, MO 65211.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Dr. Rob Kallenbach, Chair, Search Committee, at:
kallenbachr@missouri.edu
573-884-2213
Job Description #: 1506453; OARS File #090218.
Salary and Benefits: Benefits available include health, dental, life and disability insurance and a retirement plan. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin February 1, 2010 and will continue until a qualified candidate is identified.
