Career Center

The Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, invite qualified candidates to apply for a tenure-track faculty position in Plant Biotechnology, focusing on plant gene editing and related technologies, for molecular genetic improvement of crops at the assistant professor level. This is an Academic Year (AY) tenure track position. Eligible candidates should have a strong background in plant science, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, plant tissue culture and plant pathology. Candidates should have expertise and a record of accomplishments in plant genetic engineering utilizing techniques including, but not limited to: plant tissue culture, plant embryo rescue and micropropagation, transgene delivery and expression, CRISPR-gene editing and related methods for modulating gene activity. These technologies will be directed towards improving plant disease resistance, stress tolerance and other important agronomic traits. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded, nationally recognized research program focused on the applied genetic improvement of important agronomic and horticultural crops relevant to the state of New Jersey and the nation, including basil, cranberry, dogwood, grape, hazelnut, and turfgrass. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a capability to collaborate with others in the Department of Plant Biology, the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), and the University to develop collaborative research programs.

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate a commitment to teaching within departmental undergraduate and graduate programs in courses related to plant biotechnology, plant tissue culture and engineering, plant breeding and plant pathology.

The incumbent is also expected to lead the newly established Rutgers Plant Tissue Culture Core Facility, which provides plant tissue culture services and expertise and consultation on plant genetic engineering, gene editing and micro-propagation, embryo-rescue and related tissue culture methods to both Rutgers faculty and to external requests from other academic institutions and from commercial entities.

Rutgers is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; our priority to diversify our faculty ranks as outlined in the Rutgers DEI strategic plan. The Department of Plant Biology and Rutgers University are working to ensure our faculty composition reflects the diversity of our student population. We especially encourage applications from backgrounds underrepresented in plant sciences including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ scientists.

Requirements: Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate in plant biotechnology or related biological discipline, and a track record (publications, grants, etc.) demonstrating the potential for success. Previous faculty, industry, or postdoctoral experience is preferred. Evidence of experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate students, and an ability to function effectively in classroom, laboratory and field environments. Additionally, demonstrable knowledge of the theory and practice of plant biotechnology and research methods in the field of expertise including plant tissue culture, plant genetic engineering and plant pathology. A record of incorporating evidence-based pedagogy, such as active-learning techniques, and innovative use of instructional technology in the classroom. The ability, desire, and skills to mentor undergraduate and graduate student research. The candidate is expected to complement existing faculty in the Department of Plant Biology and SEBS, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with faculty, staff and students to promote the university's mission and values, and serve on department, school, and university committees as fitting a tenure-track position.

The Department: The Department of Plant Biology within SEBS is located on the scenic G. H. Cook Campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ. The majority of the faculty reside in Foran Hall, which houses state-of-the-art research laboratories and office facilities. The faculty offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral educational and research opportunities in molecular biology/biotechnology, plant breeding and genetic improvement, plant diversity and natural products, plant management and plant pathology. Research and teaching greenhouse space and plant growth facilities are widely accessible.

To apply: Candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, concise statements of teaching and research foci and objectives, a diversity statement and the names of at least three professional references to https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/187578.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Michael Lawton, Search Committee Chair, lawton@sebs.rutgers.edu. Active review of materials will begin January 7, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate is anticipated to begin on July 1, 2023.

Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate in plant biotechnology or related biological discipline, and a track record (publications, grants, etc.) demonstrating the potential for success. Previous faculty, industry, or postdoctoral experience is preferred. Evidence of experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate students, and an ability to function effectively in classroom, laboratory and field environments. Additionally, demonstrable knowledge of the theory and practice of plant biotechnology and research methods in the field of expertise including plant tissue culture, plant genetic engineering and plant pathology. A record of incorporating evidence-based pedagogy, such as active-learning techniques, and innovative use of instructional technology in the classroom.