Assistant/Associate Professor, Extension Agronomist

About This Role:

The Eastern Kansas Research and Extension Centers at Kansas State University is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor, Extension Agronomist to lead an active and innovative extension education and applied research program to support counties in the Southeast region of Kansas, focusing on agronomic crop production and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of Extension specialists and research scientists. Tenure home for this position will be in the Department of Agronomy.

The deployed Extension and applied research program should be responsive to the issues and needs of the people of Southeast Kansas and Kansas State Research and Extension (KSRE) Agriculture Extension Agents. The successful candidate will investigate forages and cropping systems for the region, collaborate with other subject matter disciplines at the regional and state level, and meet expectations of extension-related scholarship and applied research.

The candidate filling this position is responsible for providing leadership for Extension educational programs in forages, field crops, precision agriculture tools/techniques, soils, and weed management in Southeast Kansas. The Extension role includes an ability to plan, design, implement, evaluate, and market Extension educational programs. The primary crops produced in the area include corn, soybean, sorghum (grain and forage), wheat, and cotton. Native and grass pastures support the substantial livestock operations in the region. The person selected for the position will provide leadership for Extension agents in Southeast Kansas providing programming in agronomy and cropping systems. Additionally, the successful candidate will provide mentorship and in-service training opportunities for local unit Extension agents across this region that includes 26 counties.

Extension scholarship includes development of traditional extension publications and bulletins; interaction with Extension and research colleagues; and communication with clientele via public meetings/conferences, web sites, social media, and other electronic means. Development of a nationally recognized and extramurally funded Extension and applied research program that complements the Extension educational goals and objectives of KSRE is an expectation of the position. While the emphasis of the program should be on issues relevant to Southeast Kansas, there is an expectation that some of the programming will have a regional, state, national and/or international impact and will provide an innovative vision for agriculture in Kansas. To support these activities, the position will have access to resources and opportunities to collaborate with other scientists at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Parsons, KS and beyond. Other collaborations with scientists across KSRE and on-campus are encouraged.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits 

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and promotes inclusion.  The University actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others.  The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in agronomy, forages, weed science, crops, soils, or closely related field with a strong background in applied agronomy.
• Ability to plan, design, implement, and deliver extension educational programs to producers, industry personnel, and county extension agents.
• Ability to conceive, plan, implement, and publish applied field-based research in production agriculture.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in forage and crop production practices and weed control methods for rainfed cropping systems.
• Proven ability to conceive, plan, implement, and publish applied research.
• Documented evidence of planning and delivering extension programming.
• Demonstrated record of extension and scientific publication and grant writing appropriate for current career development.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States and have a valid driver's license at the time of employment

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. A letter of application articulating experience or training relevant to the position and addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position, including a statement of interest and vision regarding extension and applied research (maximum of 2 pages)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
4. Names and contact information for three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening will begin December 1, 2023 and continues until position is filled. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz at ruizdiaz@ksu.edu or Robert Weaber at bweaber@ksu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.