Description
About This Role:
The Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University is recruiting an Assistant Professor with expertise in plant bacteriology. The faculty position is a 12-month, tenure-track appointment with an approximately 90% research and 10% teaching distribution of effort.
Location: Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
Availability: June 15, 2025
Job Summary:
The successful applicant is expected to develop a strong, extramurally funded research program in plant bacteriology. A wide range of research foci are appropriate for this position including (but not limited to): molecular plant-microbe interactions, pathogen biology, microbiomes, symbioses, diagnostics, bacterial disease management, biological control, food safety, emerging diseases, and plant biosecurity. Most importantly, the research should be based on good research questions, open intellectual philosophy, and rigorous experimentalism. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and highly collaborative community of basic and applied plant pathologists and will have the opportunity to work with plant breeders, agricultural scientists, disease diagnosticians, and extension colleagues to achieve a well-rounded research mission. The successful candidate will teach a graduate course in plant bacteriology with a significant lab portion once every two years in addition to contributions to other existing courses and/or the development of an additional course in their area of expertise. The candidate is also expected to contribute to undergraduate mentoring. The successful candidate is expected to actively participate in the plant pathology graduate program to support graduate education, mentoring, and research. The candidate must be able to work with diverse teams of students, staff, and faculty, and support an open, engaged, and vibrant department.
About Us:
The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University comprises a large and diverse group of scientists, with an excellent reputation in research, teaching, and extension. Our strengths are in applied plant pathology, microbiology, biosecurity, disease diagnosis, management, host-parasite resistance genetics, pathogen and microbe genetics, genomics, and biotechnology. The department has outstanding facilities to support research from field work to genomics and is complemented by additional on-campus capabilities. More information can be found at https://www.plantpath.k-state.edu.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply through the Kansas State University Careers website.
Please see our Kansas State University Careers listing here:
Please submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position.
- Research Statement describing your research accomplishments and future plans (3-page max).
- Teaching Statement describing your teaching experience and future plans (2-page max).
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information to include name, email, and phone number of three professional references.
Questions pertaining to this position can be directed to:
Dr. Christopher R. Little, Professor of Plant Pathology, Search Committee Chair
Contact via email: crlittle@ksu.edu
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University
1712 Claflin Rd, 4024 Throckmorton Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506.
Screening of Applications Begins:
Screening of applications will begin on Feb 07, 2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.
Requirements
What You'll Need to Succeed:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Applicant must possess a Ph.D. degree in Plant Pathology or a related discipline and have strong experience in plant bacteriology.
- Demonstrated research excellence with the desire to mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers.
- Strong communication skills with a desire to teach.
- A commitment to expand and foster diversity.
- Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills that would facilitate work with diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1-2 years of post-doctoral experience in an area related to plant pathology or plant bacteriology.
- Ability to acquire extramural funding to build and maintain an active research program.
Why Join Us:
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
We Support Diversity and Inclusion:
Kansas State University embraces diversity and 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.
Work Authorization:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
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:
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.