Pomologist)

Texas A&M•Prairie View, TX

About The Position

This is a Principal Investigator position to establish a new research program on Pomology with a focus on niche fruit and nut tree species suitable for growth and research in the Gov Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch at PVAMU, including but not limited to the varieties of pecans, figs, persimmons, satsumas, mulberries, and pomegranate. The incumbent will plan, review, administer, and implement the biochemical and biotechnological aspects of the agricultural and scientific research mission of the CAFNR Research at PVAMU as guided by the higher education mandate of the University. The principal investigator in this role will also have an extension appointment and is expected to contribute to the teaching mission of the land grant institution. The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Requirements

Doctorate degree in Horticulture with a focus in Pomology or a closely related discipline.
Six years of related experience in fruit/nut crop production.
Evidence of scholarly productivity including peer reviewed publications and extension bulletins, fact sheets, and workshops conducted.
Demonstrated research expertise in fruit production research and managing fruit tree farms.
Demonstrated ability to acquire external research grants.
Ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Ability to develop clear short-term and long-term research programs addressing major issues in fruit crop production.
Experience conducting interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
Demonstrated experience in extension, outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others, i.e., collegiality.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain a world-class research program focused on innovative fruit and nut crop production systems that support orchard systems suited to the Texas climate and soils.
Focus on alleviating horticultural challenges faced by small-scale farmers engaged in fruit and nut tree crop production.
Research priorities include identifying suitable cultivars, sustainable propagation techniques, pest and disease management, fruit quality enhancement, post-harvest physiology, and climate resilience.
Acquire external grants to support the impactful and relevant research program through collaborations with internal and external partners.
Establish and maintain an orchard showcasing fruit/nut species adapted to the local area, and use orchard as a training site for students, communities, and home gardeners.
Teach a course with laboratory and field exercises related to pomology.
Train graduate and undergraduate students in fruit/nut production-related research as well as mentor postdoctoral researchers .
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present at scientific conferences.
Collaborate with PVAMU Extension on outreach activities and fact sheet development.
Strengthen plant science research in CAFNR by enhancing research infrastructure, capabilities, and acquiring research equipment.
Participate in and support college-wide events, activities, and serve on committees.
Performs other duties as assigned.