Assistant Professor, Fungal Biology

Assistant Professor, Fungal Biology
Tenure-Track, Academic Year Appointment (9-month)

 

The School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University (https://sips.cals.cornell.edu) invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level in the area of biology of plant associated fungi. With an immense diversity of virulence mechanisms and lifestyles, plant pathogenic fungi cause disease throughout the plant kingdom and are a major threat to global food security. Conversely, fungal mutualists improve plant stress tolerance and health. The new faculty member is expected to develop a strong, internationally recognized program that addresses the biology of fungi and/or oomycetes that associate with plants. Candidates whose research integrates empirical, genetics, genomics and/or metabolomics approaches to fungi and/or fungal populations with computational approaches are particularly sought. Examples of research topics include, but are not limited to: i) the exploration of basic cellular processes related to fungal pathogenic or mutualistic lifestyles, ii) virulence determinants (e.g. secondary metabolites and protein effectors), iii) translational research that buildsxsolutions to agricultural problems based on mechanistic understanding of fungal genetics and cell biology, iv) dynamics and variation in fungal populations, and ecology and evolutionary biology of genome adaptation with regard to pathogenicity.

 

The ideal candidate will thrive in the highly collaborative environment of Cornell University, which includes diverse faculty and vibrant graduate programs affiliated with the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the university-wide Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The expected affiliation for the position will be the SIPS Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology (PPPMB) on the Ithaca campus. The position will have a 60% research and 40% teaching responsibility, and the successful candidate will teach in the broad area of the biology of fungi in courses that match the PPPMB core curriculum and the candidate’s expertise (such as Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Pathogen Interactions or Filamentous Fungal Genomics and Development).

 

SIPS and CALS at Cornell embrace diversity and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts students of all races, nationalities, and genders. Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell understands the needs of dual career couples, which it attempts to meet through a Dual Career program and membership in the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, which assists dual career searches.

 

Visit http://www.hercjobs.org/ to see positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area. Cornell and Ithaca are family-friendly communities: Cornell offers a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave and flexible work options. For more details, see: https://hr.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/documents/family_resources_faculty.pdf.

 

Qualifications: Ph.D. in a relevant field. The candidate should welcome the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural setting and create a collegial professional environment. Well-qualified applicants are expected to have a demonstrated record of publication excellence. Preferred qualifications include postdoctoral experience, ability to work as part of a team, and ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and broader audiences.

 

Salary and Benefits: Salary is competitive and commensurate with background and experience. An attractive fringe benefits package is provided.

 

Application procedure: Submit to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/15107 a cover letter, a statement of research accomplishments, interests and future plans (4 pages maximum), a statement of teaching experiences, philosophy and interests (2 page maximum), a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion, a detailed curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three or four references. (Letters will be requested after the applications are reviewed.) Inquiries may be sent to Prof. Maria Harrison, Search Chair (mjh78@cornell.edu) or Prof. Gillian Turgeon, PPPMB Section Chair (bgt1@cornell.edu). Initial screening of applications will begin on November 20, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. 

 

Opportunity: The School of Integrative Plant Science Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology includes internationally renowned faculty with abundant interactions and active teaching, research and extension programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). CALS is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and staff. CALS members 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: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

 

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League 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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell’s global presence includes the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

 

Employment Assistance: If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Workforce Policy and Labor Relations at voice (607) 255-6866, fax (607) 255-0298, or email at equalopportunity@cornell.edu.

 

Applicants who do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit Cornell's Office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

 

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement at https://hr.cornell.edu/important-notice-applicants . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.