Assistant Professor - Plant Pathology: Soil-borne diseases

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

ResearchersNo

Job Type:

RegularYes

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:

ENPL | Entomology and Plant Pathologyhttps://enpl.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties:

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville invites applications to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position (80% research, 20% teaching) with emphasis on soil-borne disease management. The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is a land-grant institution and the flagship university of the University of Arkansas System.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to develop a robust, extramurally funded research program focused on aspects of soil-borne plant diseases of agronomic crops grown in Arkansas. This may include, but not limited to the development of a field-oriented research program for management strategies to limit survival and impact of soil-borne pathogens in Arkansas crops. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence in grantsmanship, report research results in peer-reviewed publications, present research at national and regional meetings, and teach graduate and undergraduate courses. The candidate will be expected to develop and teach graduate-level courses related to plant pathology and their areas of emphasis as appropriate.

Preferred applicants will have experience in soil-borne pathogen biology and ecology for the development of integrated disease management strategies, which may include holistic approaches to enhance soil and plant health. Areas of research specialization could also include, but are not limited to, study of plant-soil microbiomes, epidemiology, remote sensing, data analytics, spatial statistics, ecology, root pathogens in controlled environments and/or horticultural crops, and disease management. Preferred applicants will focus on soil-borne problems of agronomic commodities of importance to Arkansas agriculture. However, research specialization is not limited to a specific commodity. Applicants utilizing translational approaches to address control of soil-borne diseases will be considered.

Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in plant pathology or a related field is required, with expertise in soil-borne plant pathogens. Postdoctoral or previous experience in a land-grant institution is strongly preferred. Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to conduct independent and collaborative research are required. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across disciplines in the fields of plant pathology, big-data analytics, and epidemiology. The position is located at the University of Arkansas main campus in Fayetteville, located in the Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas. Fayetteville consistently ranks as one of the best college towns in the U.S.

Additional Information:

All interested candidates must submit an application online at https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

and include:  1) a cover letter; 2) statement of research interests; 3) statement of teaching philosophy and interests; 4) curriculum vitae; and; 5) names and addresses of three professional references

 

Potential candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Rupesh Kariyat (rkariyat@uark.edu)  with questions about the position.

Applications received by August 8, 2025 are assured full consideration. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Information regarding the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is available online at https://enpl.uark.edu/

 

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Statement of Research Philosophy, Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Dr. Ken Korth, Department Head
kkorth@uark.edu

Dr. Rupesh Kariyat, Search Committee Chair
rkariyat@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Kneeling, Standing

Occasional Physical Activity:

Reaching, Sitting, Walking

Benefits Eligible:

Yes