Ithaca, NY. The academic home for this position is the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University.
The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) welcomes applications for a 9-month, full-time tenure-track position in Field Crop Pathology at the assistant professor level. We are looking for a highly collaborative individual who is experienced in, and will integrate, cutting-edge research approaches to manage diseases of field crops. This position responds to the needs of field crop producers in NY State and the northeastern US, with an emphasis on corn, soybean, alfalfa, and wheat. Other crops of interest include small grains (oats, barley, rye), forage, cover, and hemp. Outstanding research scholarship is expected, as is excellence in, and commitment to, extension, translation of knowledge, advising, and inclusive mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars. Applicants should have a strong track record and show continued promise across all these areas, and an ability to contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell. We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing historically marginalized and excluded identities who are underrepresented in the classroom and higher education, and who have experience in equity and inclusion concerning teaching, mentoring, research, extension, outreach, life experiences, or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.
Responsibilities:
This is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position, with research (60%) and extension (40%) responsibilities. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to engage in service and leadership activities within the Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology (PPPMB) section in SIPS, the College of Agriculture and Life Science, Cornell University, and/or in relevant external contexts.
Research (60%) - The successful candidate will develop a forward-looking, externally funded and nationally recognized research program that focuses on management of yield-limiting diseases of field crops. The successful candidate is expected to work in collaboration with other plant pathologists on major, as well as emerging, diseases of field crops in NY State and the Northeast. Examples of major diseases include Gibberella ear rot of corn, Fusarium head blight of wheat and barley, and white mold of soybean. Research opportunities may include, but are not limited to, the development and evaluation of novel strategies for disease management through host resistance, cultural practices, chemical applications, or other means; investigation of host resistance, pathogen epidemiology, population structure, and biology; and application of new tools for disease surveillance and measurement, such artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches. There are exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations with pathologists, animal scientists, agronomists, horticulturalists, weed scientists, entomologists, and plant breeders at the Cornell Ithaca campus, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture (CIDA), New York State (NYS) Integrated Pest Management, Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research and the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture & Health (Plant, Soil and Nutrition Research Unit, and the Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit). Multistate regional collaborative efforts are expected to evaluate and develop chemical (e.g. fungicides)-based disease control strategies in field crops in the Northeast region.
Extension (40%) - The candidate is expected to conduct applied research to develop evidence-based disease management recommendations to support their extension program. The candidate will be expected to work in a team environment and develop strong collaborative efforts with faculty and extension personnel. The successful applicant will demonstrate the capacity for developing an impactful, extension program, with a focus on NY State, that operates through diverse media such as outreach materials and training programs, workshops, fact sheets, digital resources and field days. We also anticipate that the candidate will engage with and support the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic in disease diagnostics for the relevant crops and participate in multi-state extension projects to improve disease management outcomes. This faculty will work very closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension regional field crop specialists across the state as well as directly with growers, crop consultants and agricultural industry representatives on crop protection issues.
Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, based in SIPS on Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, NY. They will select one of the five sections of SIPS as the tenure home and primary academic affiliation. A mentoring program will support the personal and professional development of the new faculty member, providing advocacy, guidance, and assistance.
Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, or related biological sciences with a working understanding of population genomics, epidemiology, microbiomes, digital agriculture, biocontrol, chemical control, or host resistance. A commitment to applied agricultural research and to the development of multidisciplinary team-based research and extension programs to support field crop acreages and industries across NY State is essential. Additional qualifications include a demonstrated record of scholarly activity through peer-reviewed publications, commensurate with career stage; proven effective communication skills with both scientific and non-scientific audiences through a range of media; demonstrated commitment to mentoring and training students; demonstrated ability to secure external funding; experience with diseases of one or more main field crops important to NY; and experience with diagnosis of diseases of field crops. The candidate must be able to meet travel requirements to fulfill extension responsibilities. Preferred qualifications include extension experience, inclusive leadership, ability to collaborate effectively, and ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 2025, or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) an extension statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” 6) copies of no more than four relevant publications; 7) names and contact information of four references, and 8) academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Materials should be submitted online to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29331. Applications received by January 15, 2025, will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Cornell University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Support for start-up costs will be available. Salary is commensurate with experience.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
