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Plant Transformation Core Research Facility Director and Open-Rank, Tenure Track Professorship in Crop Improvement at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is seeking applications for an emerging or established leader in the area of plant tissue culture and transformation who will direct the UNL Plant Transformation Core Research Facility (PTCRF). The PTCRF is an established, internationally recognized plant transformation facility with existing academic and industrial clientele. This 12-month, tenure-track, open-rank appointment is 50% research, 30% service, and 20% teaching and will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The position requires the establishment of a high-profile, nationally/internationally recognized, collaborative, and externally supported research program. The program will focus on developing crops relevant to Nebraska and the US Midwest with improved productivity, environmental resilience, and/or quality through the use of biotechnological and/or genomic approaches. The research focus depends on the candidate’s expertise and may include areas of strength at UNL, including crop productivity, abiotic and/or biotic stress resilience, and/or food, feed, and biofuel/industrial quality traits.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, IANR and our units are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

The University of Nebraska emphasizes a collaborative environment where researchers and scientists can develop highly integrated multidisciplinary teams by leveraging research centers such as the Center for Plant Science Innovation, the Nebraska Food for Health Center, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, the Redox Biology Center, School of Natural Resources, Research and Extension Centers, and Nebraska Innovation Campus. The position is open to a primary tenure home in IANR in a department that best aligns with the candidate’s research interests and will also have membership in the UNL Center for Plant Science Innovation.

The position will be expected to maintain a 0.20 teaching FTE as determined by the CASNR Teaching and Learning Expectations. This will include teaching courses in the subject matter of cutting-edge crop genetic engineering and/or biotechnology theory and practice through in person and/or online delivery to support the teaching mission of the unit and IANR. The candidate’s expertise and experience with the regulatory process for genetically modified crops will be a part of their teaching expertise. Leadership and partnership in currently delivered courses (Transgenic Strategies for Disease Resistance 409b/809b; Crop Genetic Engineering 411/811; Crop and Weed Genetics 412/812) is expected. The position is also expected to deliver short workshops to students, extension, and external stakeholders to enhance partnerships and meet IANR’s science literacy goals. Specific course assignments may be changed over time based on needs and enrollment threshold.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Agronomy, Horticulture, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Entomology, Plant Pathology, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of post-Ph.D. academic and/or industrial experience.
• Demonstrated history of success in optimizing plant transformation systems, ideally in an industrial or large-scale academic setting, preferably with corn, soybean, or a related row crop species.
• Ability to integrate modern crop improvement tools, such as transgenesis, CRISPR mediated gene editing, de novo plant regeneration, synthetic biology, and genomics for the development of improved crop germplasm and/or studying fundamental aspects of crop biology, bio-innovation, and/or biochemistry.
• Exceptional administrative skills, including planning, organization, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
• Expertise with molecular biology, plant gene expression, transformation vector technologies, and gene editing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the supervision and fiscal management of a research team.
• Strong ability and desire to collaborate within UNL and with external groups.
• Ability to recognize and nurture talent with faculty, staff, and students.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin September 2, 2024 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_240087. Click “Apply for this Job” then “Faculty Application.” Complete the application and attach 1) A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job; anticipated contributions to research, leadership of the PTCRF, and teaching; and your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (see https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement); 2) your curriculum vitae; and 3) contact information for three professional references.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.