Assistant/Associate Professor, Cropping Systems Agronomist

About This Role:

This tenure-track, Assistant or Associate Professor position (70% research, 30% extension) will be responsible for leading an innovative and nationally recognized applied cropping systems research and extension program, focused on dryland and irrigated long-term cropping systems research in western Kansas. Tenure home for this position will be in the Department of Agronomy.

Water is typically the limiting resource for crop production, and efficient water management in the production system is critical for the sustainable profitability of farmers in the region.  Many factors impact water management on dryland and irrigated acres such as crop residue, weed control, tillage system, crop rotation, and cover crops while pumping capacity and water limitations specifically impact irrigated acres. Candidates should have an in-depth knowledge of how the whole production system impacts water management in the current production year along with the impact on subsequent crops.  Irrigated and dryland crops produced in the area are key to the beef industry and the expanding swine and dairy operations in the region. Cropping systems management is taking on an ever more significant role in sustaining economic growth in the region especially due to the declining Ogallala Aquifer, highlighting the need for efficient water use.

The program should be responsive to the issues and needs of the people of western Kansas and Kansas State Agriculture Extension Agents, investigate alternative cropping systems for the region, integrate with other subject matter disciplines at the area and state level, and meet expectations of Extension-related scholarship and applied research.

Development of a strong, extramurally funded applied research program that takes advantage of the unique and nationally known long-term field experiments while complementing extension educational goals and objectives in western Kansas is also an expectation of the position, as well as partnering and interacting with stakeholders in water management districts, agribusiness and agricultural industries.

While the emphasis of the program should be on issues relevant to western Kansas, there is an expectation that some of the programming will have a regional and/or national impact and will provide an innovative vision for agriculture in the broader central plains region.  

Worksite Options:

This position is eligible for a hybrid worksite arrangement. Work may be performed on employer premises, designated assignment location and/or performed in a semi-remote capacity. An employee who is working remotely must reside within the State of Kansas and preferably within western Kansas to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Expectations are for the successful candidate to be onsite, actively present, and closely involved in management of the Tribune site, especially during seasonally intensive field research periods of the year.  For example, to be present at least three days a week from April to November onsite, and onsite at least once a week from December to March would fulfill this need.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. at the time of appointment in agronomy (crops, soils, range, forage, or weed science) or a related field. Experience or training in production agriculture.
  • To qualify for an Assistant Professorship, a candidate will need to have completed their Ph.D. by the time of employment.  To qualify for an Associate Professorship, a candidate's publication record will need to be evaluated by the Department of Agronomy.
• Working experience and/or close familiarity with dryland and irrigated agricultural production systems, and with performing field plot research.
• Demonstrated proficiency with oral and written communication in English.
• Commitment to work in a multi-cultural environment that fosters diversity, collegiality, and teamwork. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working experience with and an understanding of High Plains or Midwest crop production systems and practices.
• Crop production-related knowledge of crops grown in the High Plains region, including corn, grain sorghum, cotton, and/or winter wheat enterprises, with additional knowledge of forages, canola and soybeans being a benefit.
• A working, practical understanding of factors affecting crop profitability and their effect on farmers’ cropping system management and enterprise choices – so as to effectively direct applied cropping system research at Tribune.
• Experience or the motivation to write grant proposals and manage grant project funding and resources.
• Proven ability to conceive, plan, implement, and publish applied research.
• Working experience with planning, delivering and/or providing support for Extension-type public educational programming.
• Demonstrated skills in the effective use electronic media to communicate technical agronomic information.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. A letter of application articulating experience or training relative to the qualifications for the position, a statement of interest and vision regarding extension and applied research (maximum of 2 pages)
2. A resume with three references and contact information
3. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Screening of Applications Begins:

For best consideration, apply by January 3rd, 2025.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$90,000-$110,000