Virginia State University – College of Agriculture Looking for Assistant / Associate Research Professor – Breeder / Horticulturalist Full Time

The Assistant/Associate Research Professor – Breeder/Horticulturalist of plant science holds a faculty appointment
in the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University (VSU). The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating
nationally recognized and impact-driven research-based educational programs in their field of expertise related to the national and state
identified program areas. Identify, breed and develop crops/plants that have human health benefit. Collaborate with food scientists to
increase the contents of health beneficial compounds in crops/plants. Identify and develop potentially new or alternative horticultural and
other high value crops/plants that are suited to the different agro-ecological zones in Virginia and have human health benefit. VSU
Agricultural Research faculty engage in research to implement the land-grant mission of Virginia State University by engaging in scholarly,
scientific or creative work aimed at finding solutions to local, regional and national problems in food and agriculture.

Duties & Responsibilities: A successful candidate will develop and lead a nationally recognized research program
focused on specialty crop improvement and development. Collaborate with food scientists to characterize plant germplasm for bioactive
compounds and nutrigenomic traits. Establish the genetic basis of health beneficial compounds in crops/plants. Examine the relationship
between bioactive compound content and genetic traits using various genomic techniques. Responsible for preparing and submitting scientific
articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific publications; independently prepares and submits proposals for
external funding; will foster strong and meaningful collaborations with other faculty in the plant science area at the Agricultural Research
Station. Present research findings at professional society conferences and other meetings as appropriate; contribute to the development and
implementation of appropriate undergraduate and graduate programs including teaching and participating in departmental, college and
University service and outreach activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for
Entry:

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in Plant Genomics/Breeding, Horticulture, or closely related discipline with demonstrated ability
  to design and conduct publishable research in plant sciences.
• Must exhibit quantifiable expertise in designing, implementing, and
  evaluating crops/plants for their human health benefits.
• Ability to characterize plant traits that control bioactive in
  plants.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in various genomic techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to secure to secure
  extramural funding is strongly desired.
• Evidence of effective teaching ability and skills in university and/or community-based
  programs.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt programmatic needs to various platform delivery software systems (CiscoWebEx, Zoom,
  etc.).
• Experience in developing publications, including journal articles, and technical reports.
• Ability to interact and
  communicate written/orally between federal, state, university, and county clientele.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and
  as a team member.
• Experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion of underserved audiences.

Preferred
Qualifications:

• Prior experience with the Land-Grant University system.
• Experience with implementing applied
  research activities related to respective program area/interest.
• Knowledge and understanding of 1890 Land-grant University
  Agricultural Research organizations, operation, philosophy, and objectives is preferred

Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (RMS). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.

The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Contact Information:

Name: Loreley Leabhart

Phone: (804) 524-5083

Email: [email protected]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer