Assistant/Associate Professor (Sweet Potato Specialist)

Louisiana State University

11d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track position with an 80% extension and 20% research appointment, domiciled at the Sweet Potato Research Station near Winnsboro, LA. The role involves improving production and pest management of sweet potatoes, serving as the on-site coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Foundation Seed Program, and providing research-based information to sweet potato clientele. The specialist will focus on delivering production information to Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Agents and industry representatives, conducting on-farm demonstrations, variety evaluations, and collaborating on yield-limiting production problems. Communication methods will include individual stakeholder communication, workshops, public presentations, and written materials. The position requires documenting and publishing information in various forms, seeking extramural funding, and participating in professional development activities. The incumbent will also coordinate Extension program advisory committees and perform other assigned tasks cooperatively with other faculty.

Requirements

• A PhD degree in an agricultural related discipline is required.
• Must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with and through others is essential.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working with sweet potato is highly desirable.
• A good working knowledge of computer software programs and web pages is also desired.
• Experience using various aspects of social media.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver research-based information to sweet potato clientele.
• Focus on developing and delivering production information to Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Agents and representatives of the sweet potato industry.
• Deliver and evaluate current horticultural and pest management technologies to stakeholders.
• Conduct on-farm demonstrations and variety evaluations.
• Engage in trans-disciplinary collaborations to identify and solve yield-limiting sweet potato production problems.
• Address industry needs through individual stakeholder communication, workshops, public presentations, and written communications.
• Document and publish information in extension publications, fact sheets, newsletters, refereed publications, and web-based articles.
• Submit and participate in proposals for extramural support.
• Participate in professional and technical meetings, field days, and other outreach opportunities.
• Coordinate Extension program advisory committees to identify stakeholder needs, develop programs, and assess program impacts.
• Perform other tasks assigned by supervisor(s) and work cooperatively with other Extension and research faculty.
• Engage in continued professional development.

Benefits

• Retirement
• Multiple medical insurance options
• Supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.)
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses)
• University holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas)
• Generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree