Research Assistant Professor Fusarium Head blight

North Dakota University System•Fargo, ND

42d

About The Position

The Departments of Plant Pathology and Microbiological Sciences at North Dakota State University (NDSU) seeks to hire a non-tenure track research assistant professor with research responsibilities for Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat. The successful applicant will develop an externally-funded research program that conducts basic and applied research contributing to the improved understanding of the disease system and the development of management tools that positively impact North Dakota wheat growers. The successful candidate will develop a research program primarily focused on FHB with a secondary focus on other important Fusarium-caused diseases in wheat. Cooperation and collaboration with NDSU hard red spring wheat (HRSW) and durum breeding programs is expected, including but not limited to field and greenhouse trials that support the development of FHB-resistant germplasm and varieties for North Dakota growers. The position is anticipated to be supported by 0.75 FTE state funded research specialist (1.0 for the first two years) to facilitate all aspects of research. The successful applicant is expected to provide professional service appropriate to the position, department and discipline. Mentoring and advising of graduate students is expected through affiliate graduate faculty membership status. North Dakota is the leading producer of HRSW and durum in the nation with over 6 million acres dedicated to production annually. FHB has been the most economically-important disease over the last 30 years and annually threatens grain quality and production. The successful applicant will join over two dozen faculty in combined departments of Plant Pathology and Microbiological Sciences (anticipated merger is 2026). The combined Department will have among the strongest research, teaching and Extension prominence in the NDSU College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Food Systems and is a significant contributor to NDSU's status as a Carnegie R-1 ("very high research activity") institution. This faculty position will join an active group of fundamental and applied plant pathologists dedicated to advancing the science of plant pathology and meeting the needs of the wheat industry. Infrastructure includes a newly-remodeled laboratory and access to a state-of-the-art Jack Dalrymple greenhouse complex. NDSU agriculture has a network of seven research-extension centers strategically located throughout the state and established infrastructure for inoculated and misted field trials to support all field research. In addition, this faculty position will have laboratory space in a new, approximately $90 million field laboratory (currently under construction with ribbon-cutting targeted for the summer of 2026). To apply: Please upload Cover Letter, Resume and three letters of recommendation. Screening date is December 19, 2025. Direct any questions to Dr. Andrew Friskop, search committee chair at [email protected]

Requirements

an earned Ph.D. in plant pathology or closely related field; (Note that all requirements for the Ph.D. must be satisfied before employment is started at NDSU)
demonstrated potential to develop a productive and high-quality research program that will be recognized locally, nationally and internationally
Research experience with FHB and/or other Fusarium diseases
excellent communication skills (interpersonal, written, verbal)

Nice To Haves

demonstrated ability to publish research in high-quality journals appropriate to the position
demonstrated ability to secure competitive funding
broad plant pathology experience (laboratory, greenhouse and/or field experience)
ability to conduct research with results that can communicated to North Dakota wheat growers
demonstrated mentoring and/or personnel management skills

Responsibilities

Develop an externally-funded research program that conducts basic and applied research contributing to the improved understanding of the disease system and the development of management tools that positively impact North Dakota wheat growers.
Develop a research program primarily focused on FHB with a secondary focus on other important Fusarium-caused diseases in wheat.
Cooperation and collaboration with NDSU hard red spring wheat (HRSW) and durum breeding programs is expected, including but not limited to field and greenhouse trials that support the development of FHB-resistant germplasm and varieties for North Dakota growers.
Provide professional service appropriate to the position, department and discipline.
Mentoring and advising of graduate students is expected through affiliate graduate faculty membership status.

Benefits

Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire
Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
Superb Retirement Plan
Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
Basic Term Life Insurance
Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
Paid Leave - including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Program
Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans