Assistant Professor - DIH Climate Resiliency and Forage Production

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Position Title:

Assistant Professor - DIH Climate Resiliency and Forage Production

Job Category:

Faculty

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Assistant Professor

Job Duties:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Department of Plant and Earth Science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is seeking a full-time, nine-month tenure track faculty position (60% research and 40% teaching) at the rank of Assistant Professor to support our Crop and Soil Science Program. The position is funded by the Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub (Dairy Innovation Hub Link). The teaching load for this 40% teaching appointment will be approximately five (5) credit hours per semester, or ten (10) credit hours per academic year (the standard full-time teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester or 24 credit hours per academic year). The successful candidate will 1) demonstrate strong interest in forage production research for the dairy industry; 2) have an ability to conduct applied research on forage crop production systems for the dairy industry; and 3) be committed to excellence in teaching at our primarily undergraduate institution.

Opportunities exist for optional summer employment through research grants, teaching and other funding sources.

Expected Appointment Start Date: January 7, 2027.

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Key Job Responsibilities:

Research (60%)

• Develop an applied research program focusing on forage production related to the U.S. dairy industry.

• Communicate research results to diverse audiences through forums such as professional scientific meetings, referred publications, dairy industry groups, and local producer groups.

• Develop collaborations and networks across the dairy industry, within local and state government, and throughout the Wisconsin Dairy Innovation Hub.

• Secure extramural funding sufficient to sustain a vibrant research program that includes the training and mentoring of undergraduate research students.

Teaching (40%)

• Develop and teach undergraduate courses in forage crop production, pasture production, and introductory plant science courses plus additional courses in the Crop Science discipline based on the successful candidate’s educational background and departmental needs.

• Develop innovative, student-centered courses and experiences that engage learners; regularly assess and revise curriculum to meet the evolving needs of Crop and Soil Science Program.

• Advise undergraduate students and facilitate independent studies, internships and other high-impact learning experiences.

Other

• Advise co-curricular activities including student organizations.

• Participate in university service and shared governance at the department, college, and university levels.

Department:

Plant and Earth Science

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science or related field. Applicants who have finished coursework and are still working on degree requirements may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their program within one year of the date of employment.

• Record of scholarship including peer-reviewed publications in crop production research.

• Strong interest and desire to teach undergraduate courses.

• Ability to effectively communicate to diverse audiences and commitment to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with on-farm forage production research related to the U.S. dairy industry.

• Documented successful undergraduate teaching in the Crop Science discipline including forage crop production and introductory plant science, teaching assistantships, or formal training for teaching in higher education.

• Experience with advising, mentoring, or supervising undergraduate students.

• Professional or dairy industry experience and/or connections.

• Record of success in obtaining grant funding.

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications.  Applicants are required to provide:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Unofficial Transcripts

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

• A two-part statement, not to exceed 3 pages, describing vision and priorities for teaching and research at a predominantly undergraduate institution

• Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your teaching ability, experience and professional preparation (references)

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Dr. Veronica Justen

Plant and Earth Science Department Chair

[email protected]

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before September 18, 2026.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 

Title IX Notice 

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at [email protected]; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix. 

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275. 

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy. 

Reasonable Accommodations 

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact [email protected] or 715-425-3518. 

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression 

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.