Assistant/Associate Professor of Plant Pathology

Assistant/Associate Professor of Plant Pathology, Horticulture and Crop Science Department, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. The position is a tenure-track, academic year appointment. Candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in plant pathology and researching diseases of strawberries. Duties include but are not limited to participating in industry programs, overseeing undergraduate research (senior projects) and Master's level research in areas of importance to California's strawberry industry. The candidate is expected to function as a component of the Cal Poly Strawberry Center. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to further develop plant pathology and plant protection courses and is expected to participate in scholarly activities (publishing, grant writing) as part of his/her professional development.
The candidate will be responsible for the development of an applied research program that focuses on optimization of strawberry production in the California Central Coast region, and California at-large. The candidate will participate in the Cal Poly Strawberry Research Center, a partnership with the California Strawberry Commission. The successful candidate will conduct research and actively participate with others to develop recommendations for crop management that address the disease management, cultural, water quality, harvesting and food safety challenges that confront California's strawberry industry. The candidate is expected to secure funding from government and industry supporters and will be expected to cooperate with other scientists, educators, farmers, and advisory and commodity groups. Developing an integrated approach for disease management in strawberries is expected. The initial program should focus on diseases of economic significance to the strawberry industry such as Verticillium wilt, Macrophomina crown rot, Fusarium wilt, Botrytis gray mold, powdery mildew and others. Research findings are expected to be integrated into academic coursework. The ideal candidate will have a strong ability to conduct research and be able to effectively communicate cutting-edge production information to students and the strawberry industry.
Ph.D. in plant pathology or related discipline is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to 1) work cooperatively with colleagues across departments and disciplines, and 2) develop a collaborative research program. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in teaching, have effective communication, and be committed to diversity and inclusivity. The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, the agricultural industry, government agencies and the general public is essential.
To apply, complete the required online faculty application at WWW.CALPOLYJOBS.ORG and submit to Requisition #104929. WWW.CALPOLYJOBS.ORG. Please attach cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, brief statement of teaching and research interests as well as goals and accomplishments. Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing your online application. Selected applicant will be required to submit sealed official transcripts of highest degree prior to appointment. Inquiries can be directed to Professor Gerald Holmes, Committee Chair, Strawberry Center, (805) 756-2120 gjholmes@calpoly.edu. Review of applications will begin 07/30/2018; applications received after that date may be considered until an acceptable candidate is secured. EEO