Assistant Professor, Ornamental Horticulture

Position Summary:

The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks to hire a tenure-track faculty member at the assistant professor level with expertise in Ornamental Horticulture. This is one of four tenure track faculty positions relating to a regenerative agriculture cluster hiring in the College of Agricultural Sciences at CSU. The 9-month tenure track appointment (40% research, 30% teaching, 20% Extension, and 10% service and outreach) begins as soon as July 1, 2022. The successful applicant’s responsibilities will include the following:

Building an externally funded, nationally recognized, and self-sustainable research program that addresses issues facing the green industry and improves the sustainability of urban landscapes in semi- arid environments
Oversight of the nationally renowned CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden, the Perennial Demonstration Garden, and the Perennial Trial Garden (http://flowertrials.colostate.edu/)
Continuation of the unique, ongoing research collaboration with Denver Botanic Gardens and horticultural professionals in the Plant Select® Program to identify and promote vibrant, resilient, and durable plants for gardens in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond
Teaching HORT 221 (Landscape Plants) and Hort 322 (Herbaceous Plants)
Working closely with the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association, Garden Centers of Colorado, county extension educators, campus landscape planners, Plant Select Program, and other Green Industry professionals in the Rocky Mountain region and participating in extension activities of relevance to Colorado stakeholders
Mentoring undergraduate students in the Nursery & Landscape Management concentration, as well as advising graduate students

We are seeking Ph.D. level applicants with expertise in annual and perennial herbaceous ornamentals and woody ornamentals to build a research program that aligns with and contributes to the Strategic Plan of the College of Agricultural Sciences at CSU (https://agsci.colostate.edu/strategic-plan/). Potential research topics may include, but are not limited to: 1.) selection, propagation, production, and management of herbaceous ornamental plants; 2.) innovative landscape management and production practices to improve resource use efficiency; 3.) adaptive and water-efficient ornamentals for semi-arid landscapes; 4.) genetics, breeding, and development of herbaceous ornamental plants; and 5.) the effect of landscape plants on environmental and human health. The position will have outstanding departmental support, robust research infrastructure, and access to collaborative opportunities within CSU and CSU Research Centers throughout the state, botanic gardens, and industry stakeholders and growers. The CSU main campus is located in Fort Collins and situated at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, one hour north of metro Denver, and offers excellent access to transportation, world-class outdoor recreation, and a wide cross-section of the horticulture industry and trade organizations.

Required Job Qualifications:

Ph.D. in horticulture or a closely related field (e.g., plant sciences, ecology)
Demonstrated experience in herbaceous and woody ornamentals / landscape horticulture
Demonstrated communication skills
Professional experience or training relevant to teaching
Grant writing experience
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications of original research
Professional experience or training relevant to extension

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Previous academic, post-doctoral, or professional experience
Record of effective undergraduate curriculum development, teaching, and mentoring, with experience in experiential learning methods
Proven excellence in verbal and written communication, including a scientific, peer-reviewed publication record appropriate for the applicant’s career stage, in topics related to herbaceous ornamentals / landscape horticulture
Demonstrated ability to successfully attract research funding
Evidence of impactful outreach and extension experience, including a demonstrated ability to interact with stakeholders and an extension publication record (e.g., fact sheets, trade publications, etc)
Evidence of team-building skills, capacity for successful collaboration, and potential to manage multidisciplinary research and education projects
Desire and ability to advance the Department’s commitment to access, equity, diversity, and inclusion

Special Instruction to Applicants:

Apply online at https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/96948

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration, all materials must be received by February 15, 2022. Applicants should upload the following materials:

a cover letter stating intent to apply for the position and addressing the required and preferred qualifications listed in the full position description
comprehensive curriculum vitae including grant and publication records
unofficial academic transcripts for all degrees
written statement (two pages maximum) of professional teaching, research, and extension philosophy (upload under “Other”)
names, email addresses and phone numbers for three references who may be contacted by the search committee.

References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

Background Check Policy Statement:

Colorado State University (CSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers, and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO Statement:

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy, and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity / equal access / affirmative action employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce, and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is in 101 Student Services Building. The Acting Title IX Coordinator is the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, 201 Administration Building, Fort Collins, CO. 80523-8004, (970) 491-5312. The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Associate Vice President for Human Capital, Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836.

Diversity Statement:

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Search Contact Yaling Qian, Ph.D., yaling.qian@colostate.edu, 970-491-7079

Assistant Professor, Ornamental Horticulture