Vacancy ID # 080141
Title ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Employing Department Agronomy
Appointment Conditions Tenure Track, Full Time, 9 Months
Proposed Start Date January 1, 2009
Job Description The Department of Agronomy seeks an outstanding early
career scientist for a faculty position in mathematical modeling of
yield and biomass production in agro-ecosystems. This position will
be at least 60% research and 25% teaching with the remainder of the
appointment negotiable. Iowa State University especially seeks
candidates who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the
academic community through their research, teaching, and outreach.

The successful candidate will make original contributions addressing
the knowledge gap between potential and actual yield and biomass
production, as well as catalyze interdisciplinary research programs
with faculty working in crop, soil, and climate sciences. The
successful candidate should have theoretical and applied interests in
understanding the biotic and abiotic factors that impact crop
productivity. Research could include ways to improve the light,
water, and nutrient use efficiency of cereals, pulses, oilseed crops,
and species grown for forage and biomass energy production.
Mathematical modeling crop production systems in the context of
biomass energy production, environmental sustainability, and
conservation of natural resources would be a priority in research and
teaching. Opportunities exist for collaboration in: (1)
genotype-environment interactions (identifying plant characteristics
for optimum performance across spatially variable soils and
landscapes); (2) plant-plant interactions (productivity of
intercropping systems, pasture mixtures, crop-weed competition); and
(3) plant-pest interactions (plant responses to phytopathogens and
herbivorous insects). The appointee will be expected to attract
extramural funding, and publish research in peer-reviewed journals.

Teaching responsibilities will initially include one, lower-level,
undergraduate course in quantitative skills for agronomists each
year; one, upper-level, undergraduate/graduate course in biological
and ecological modeling taught every other year; advising of
undergraduate students; and directing undergraduate research
projects. Supervision and advising of graduate students,
participation in curriculum development, outreach programs, and
performance of university service are also expected.

Iowa State University is one of the country's leading agricultural
research universities and is in one of the top agricultural states in
the U.S. Located in the city of Ames, ISU is in the heartland of U.S.
culture and agriculture. Ames has abundant recreational and
entertainment opportunities and an outstanding school system. This
faculty position affords significant opportunities for the
development of strong interdisciplinary research teams with
departmental faculty, allied departments on the ISU campus, research
organizations such as the USDA-ARS, and other state and national partners.
Required Qualifications Ph.D. in agronomy, ecology, or related
sciences; experience in mathematical modeling and plant physiological
ecology; experience that demonstrates excellent written and oral
communication skills; and demonstrated proficiency in teaching.
Preferred Qualifications Experience collaborating with faculty in
complementary fields and interact with relevant components of Iowa
agricultural industries/NGOs. Postdoctoral experience in crop
physiology, ecology, or ecosystem modeling. Demonstrated knowledge of
soil-plant-atmosphere interactions. Experience in teaching at the
undergraduate or graduate level.   Salary Commensurate with qualifications
Special Conditions
Application Instructions Applications must be submitted
electronically by clicking on "Apply for this Vacancy". Please be
prepared to attach the following documents:
1) Letter of application
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Statement of teaching and research interests and experience
4) Copy of transcripts - attach as "other document"
5) Complete contact information (name, address, phone number and
email address) for three professional references.

For more information regarding this vacancy, please contact Dr.
Kendall Lamkey at: [log in to unmask]

Please direct questions regarding the application process to
[log in to unmask] or (515) 294-2936.

To ensure consideration, submit application by 05-30-2008