Assistant Professor/Ornamental & Landscape Horticulture

New Mexico State University • Las Cruces, NM

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PES) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is seeking a new faculty member for a 9-month tenure-track position with a focus on Ornamental and Landscape Horticulture. This role is 75% teaching and 25% research and outreach, building upon the department's commitment to Urban Horticulture. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop new courses in areas like resilient landscape design and urban improvement, mentor students, and provide leadership in horticulture programs. Service to the profession and university committees is expected, as is outreach with stakeholders such as Master Gardeners and the New Mexico State Forestry Division. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration exist across departments and with Agricultural Science Centers. Research areas may include sustainable landscaping, urban food systems, climate-resilient landscape design, urban ecology, green infrastructure, and human health. The position is aligned with NMSU's land-grant mission to address climate and water challenges and support community needs. The candidate will also foster collaborations and participate in activities supporting the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS). NMSU is a large land-grant institution with a robust Plant and Environmental Sciences department offering extensive research facilities and opportunities for training programs. An active mentoring program is in place for new faculty.

Requirements

• Ph.D. (awarded by hire date) in Horticulture/Plant Science, Landscape Architecture, Agricultural Sustainability/Sustainable Design, Regenerative Landscaping, or a closely related field.
• Commitment to excellence and specific evidence of teaching and research experience in urban horticulture, regenerative agriculture, landscape design, or urban improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse audiences including students, academic, industry, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to publish research in leading research and academic outlets with potential to compete successfully for external research funding.
• Ability to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and mentor diverse undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability to enjoy and thrive in a diverse and multicultural collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

• Background in experimental design and analysis.
• Postdoctoral work with attraction of extramural support.
• Demonstrated evidence of engaging students, community members, and scientists on issues relating to horticulture.
• Ability to conduct research in urban horticulture and sustainable landscapes.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses required for horticulture, agronomy and other majors including ornamental plant identification and landscape design.
• Research and teaching experience in landscape design, landscape resilience and/or productive landscapes and food systems.
• Demonstrated evidence of engaging and mentoring students.
• Ability to develop a nationally recognized program in resilient landscape design, regenerative agriculture, and/or urban agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses required for horticulture, agronomy, and other majors.
• Develop new courses in the candidate's area of expertise at the urban-agricultural interface.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provide leadership in PES horticulture research and teaching programs.
• Assist students in job placements and internships.
• Co-advise the NMSU Horticulture Forum.
• Provide service to the profession and to university, college, and departmental committees.
• Conduct outreach with stakeholders (e.g., Master Gardeners, New Mexico State Forestry Division, New Mexico Grown Coalition, Municipalities and Urban Planners).
• Foster collaborations and participate in activities and on research teams that support the work of the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS).

What This Job Offers

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