The Department of Horticultural Science is composed of 34 faculty. We deliver research, artistic design, innovative teaching, extension, and outreach associated with the production and utilization, ecology, breeding and basic biology of fruit, vegetable, flower, ornamental, and functional horticultural plants. Through constant evaluation and adjustment, we lead with partners to create a horticultural science hub that optimizes the role of plants in addressing local to global grand challenges. The department has robust certificate, associates, undergraduate, and graduate training programs, and an extension network that touches the 100 counties in NC.

North Carolina State University is the largest university in NC with over 25,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students and has been listed as the “best large employer” in North Carolina. NC State has historical strengths in agriculture, engineering, and the life sciences and has recently launched the Plant Science Initiative (PSI; cals.ncsu.edu/psi). The PSI seeks to bring the brightest minds in academia, government, and industry together to drive innovation that increases yields, creates new varieties, extends growing seasons, enhances agricultural and environmental sustainability and produces new and improved technology.

NC State is uniquely situated with over 100 ag biotech ventures of all sizes and USA headquarters for many of the world’s largest plant science companies nearby. Agriculture is the largest industry in NC and contributes over $90B annually. NC ranks 8th in the nation for total fruit and vegetable production, with a total value of $500m in vegetable production, and the third most diverse state with specialty crops. NC has a thriving vegetable industry and NC ranks in the top 10 nationally in production of fresh market cucumbers (#3), bell peppers (#5), cantaloupes & watermelons (#6), pumpkins & squash (#7) and cabbage & tomatoes (#8).

The Department of Horticulture Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is pleased to announce recruitment for a 12-month tenure-track Assistant Professor in translational phenomics for crop management and breeding, with formal appointments in Research (80%) and Teaching (20%). This position reports to the Department Head of Horticultural Science.

The position will advance the application of phenomics in horticultural crop management and breeding and develop innovative solutions to optimize crop-specific standard operating procedures for phenotyping. The incumbent will maximize automated data capture and translate this high-value information into improved crop selection efficiencies of superior genotypes and optimize crop production methods, and improve production management decisions, with emphasis on horticultural crops. The incumbent will co-lead growing interdepartmental and interdisciplinary teams that drive the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, plant breeding, engineering, applied research/extension programs and economic metrics, among other disciplines, to maximize statewide impact on the NC-Agro economy, and beyond. The incumbent will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, and extramurally funded program that advances scholarly leadership and outputs, provide graduate education in Horticultural Science and the College in these new disciplines, and collaborate with external industry, government, and academic partners.
Teaching responsibilities will include the development of one or more upper-level undergraduate/graduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise and based on the priorities of the department, PBC and/or the PSI. For example, there is an identified need for an Advanced Phenotyping class to enhance student success in the job market, learn how to approach the design of new high throughput phenotyping methods adapted to specific needs, and gain advanced data analysis skills. Serve on professional societies and departmental/college committees as requested.

N.C. State is diverse because it is a community of individuals from varied backgrounds and demographic categories; it encourages, accepts, and values a diversity of people and ideas; it seeks to promote an environment where equity, respect, and understanding represent the norm in the campus climate; and it seeks to prepare entrepreneurs who are effective citizens of a global community. As such, you are expected to contribute to an environment that is welcoming of all groups.

Other duties as assigned and determined by the department head.

In addition to your application, please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research accomplishments and interest, teaching philosophy, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three (3) professional references.

Applicants are encouraged to include teaching evaluations if available (upload as “other document 1”) and in the cover letter or in a separate statement indicating how their program could contribute to enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NCSU.

Review of candidates will commence on February 28, 2023, or until a suitable candidate is found.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.