Faculty position available

Seed Biology & Technology
School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University

Position: Assistant or Associate Professor; Tenure track

Location: Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY 14456. The academic home for this position is in the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Geneva campuses of Cornell University

The School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University invites applications for a 9-month, full-time tenure-track position focused on seed biology and technology at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, depending on qualifications. We are seeking a highly collaborative individual to address issues related to seed vigor, preservation, germination, crop stand establishment, seed-based pest management strategies, and/or weed seed invasiveness traits, particularly for specialty crops. These topics are essential for sustainable crop production in the face of climate variability, policy changes in pesticide use and in emerging high-growth areas, such as controlled environment agriculture.

The availability of high-quality seeds is often a significant bottleneck in plant breeding, genetics, physiology, and other areas of plant science research. Expertise in seed biology will greatly enhance many research programs at Cornell. This position is vital for our sustainable agroecosystem and controlled environment agriculture initiatives, including sustainable pest management. The seed biology program will collaborate with researchers in plant biology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil and crop sciences, entomology, and weed science, leveraging the expertise of Cornell faculty, Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), NY Seed Improvement Project, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), and NYS Integrated Pest Management (NYSIPM), as well as growers throughout New York, to develop and implement integrated crop management strategies.

Responsibilities:

This position has an effort split of 60% research and 40% extension.

Research (60%): The incumbent will be expected to develop a nationally recognized and extramurally funded research program that builds upon the fundamental knowledge of seed biology and physiology particularly of specialty crops, while applying this knowledge to improve profitability for growers and sustainability of agricultural systems.  Research areas may include, but are not limited to: seed quality (including seed production), germplasm conservation, genetics of seed quality, efficient production, development of novel seed treatment technologies (i.e. RNAi based seed technology, delivery of microbes, elicitors, biochemicals, conventional crop protection chemicals, and nanoparticles for enhancing germination), seedling emergence, plant health and crop performance; seed dormancy and longevity, seed storage and preservation systems, seed biology of weedy and invasive species as it relates to management, and seed biology as it impacts biodiversity and germplasm conservation.

Extension (40%): The incumbent will develop an impactful extension program that addresses the needs of industry stakeholders and results in changes in practice that improve profitability, efficiency and sustainability. Extension efforts will drive collaborative partnerships on seed production and/or post-harvest seed technology with extension educators, crop consultants, seed companies, and biotech companies.  Extension responsibilities include development of curricula for training stakeholders in seed-related matters, such as seed processing and post-harvest storage as it relates to developing a vibrant local seed industry, as well as enhancing urban farming programs or supporting emerging crops.  The candidate will provide faculty leadership for the Annual Cornell Seed Conference, the Cornell Seed Growers Field Day, and the annually updated Cornell Production and Pest Management Guidelines as they relate to seed issues. Efforts supporting the Vegetable Breeding Institute and the NY Seed Improvement Project on seed related issues is expected. The faculty in the position will collaborate with colleagues on the Cornell AgriTech and Ithaca campuses, Cornell Cooperative Extension, NYS Integrated Pest Management, the NY Seed Improvement Project, the USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit, and the NYS Vegetable Grower Association, Northeast Organic Farming Association of NY and other grower organizations across the state.

Affiliation: The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) with the option to join one of the two SIPS sections (Horticulture or Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology) on the AgriTech campus. This hire will be based in the collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the Cornell AgriTech campus in Geneva, New York.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Seed Science and Technology, Plant Biology, Horticulture, Crop Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, Plant Ecology,  or related discipline, demonstrate potential to excel in the research and extension activities described above, display excellence in communication and collaboration across a variety of audiences, and  contribute to a culture of inclusive excellence through leadership and delivery of inclusive research and extension programs.

Application and Starting Date: The anticipated start date is July 2025, or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit their application as PDF files including: 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position; 2) a Curriculum vitae, 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals (2 pages maximum); 4) a statement describing your extension experience and/or philosophy and interests (2 pages maximum); 5) a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study”; 6) the names and contact information of four references (letters will be requested after the applications are reviewed), and 7) unofficial academic transcripts. Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29313. Initial screening of applications will begin January 31, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Prof. Larry Smart, Search Chair (lbs33@cornell.edu)
Amy Andersen, Assistant to the Search Chair (ada10@cornell.edu).

CALS hiring range for position:
Assistant Professor: $90,000 - $130,000
Associate Professor: $115,000 - $170,000

Cornell University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Support for start-up costs will be available. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We 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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.