Prairie View A&M University

Job Title

Research Associate Professor/Research Professor & Assistant Director, Plant SystemsAgency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

As we seek to strengthen the Plant Systems Research Program in the CARC, it is our intent to engage in forward and broad thinking strategies that provide sustainable solutions to solve immediately existing problems in addition to laying the foundation for solving anticipated futuristic problems such as providing nutritious, healthy food for the world’s growing population. As a collective Plant Systems research team, our mission is to serve clientele, both the underserved producers and businesses, in the continual development of safe productive plant study practices. The practices will lead to efficient, innovative, and science-based knowledge and solutions for agriculture, food, nutrition and environmentally friendly related issues. The commitment to incorporate plant-based studies into climate-smart opportunities shall encourage the underserved limited resources clientele to thrive within their community. Our vision is to use smart approaches to contribute to the enhancement of food and agriculture that protects and improves the health, nutrition, and quality of life of all Americans while feeding the world. Since food and nutrition are inherently connected, we seek to build a team of researchers that can contribute to innovations that enhance food safety, lessen food insecurities, and emphasize nutritional security.

Areas of research expertise and interest that we seek include, but not limited to, the following three foci: Crop Protection, Horticulture/Floriculture, or Phytochemistry/Organic Chemistry. Crop Protection is a vital discipline that addresses the challenges posed by pests, diseases, and weeds in global agriculture. Having expertise in Crop Protection is crucial for our institution to lead cutting-edge research, develop innovative pest and disease management practices, and contribute significantly to agricultural sustainability and food security. Horticulture encompasses a range of practices involving the cultivation, propagation, and management of plants, while Floriculture specifically focuses on the cultivation and marketing of ornamental and flowering plants. This area of study will play a crucial role in providing guidance for aesthetic beauty and the well-being of society. Further, Phytochemistry, the study of plant-derived compounds and their chemical properties, plays a pivotal role in both agriculture and human health due to its many benefits and applications. These compounds serve as the plant's defense mechanisms against environmental stressors, pests, and diseases, offering numerous advantages that positively impact agriculture and human well-being.

The Plant System Leader, in collaboration with the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of the CARC, the Assistant Director of CARC, and the Associate Dean (AD) for Academic Programs, will establish the overall vision and oversee the operational management for the Plant Systems in regards to research priorities and the general development of research scientists (including faculty with split teaching-research appointments and research faculty), postdoctoral fellows, research specialists and technicians, and student research interns within the Plant Systems. As the chief administrative officer of the Plant Systems Research Program, the leader has the responsibility for the delivery of a robust program of research and related activities in accordance with CAFNR and the CARC regarding mission goals and objectives as spelled out in the PVAMU, CAFNR, CARC, Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) as well as the USDA/NIFA strategic plans. This position will have day-to-day management of staff and resources and operational strategies for the unit.

The position will support the work of Plant Systems research scientists who are engaged in the growth of plants in field plots and greenhouse settings. It is pivotal for advancing research, education, and innovation in the field of plant sciences.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Responsibilities:

• Pursue a viable research program related to high impact, ecofriendly and relevant plant research.
• Attain and sustain excellence in research.
• Develop compelling research proposals to garner extramural funds for research and or extension.
• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications, workshops and conferences.
• Work closely with the system members, EAD for research, Department Head, and Extension counterparts to shape the long-term vision and roadmap for research within the system.
• Review and provide feedback on research proposals, ensuring alignment with CARC, CAFNR, and sponsoring organizations' mission and goals.
• Lead research teams to plan, monitor, implement, and complete project deliverables on time and within budgets.
• Evaluate faculty with split teaching-research appointments, research faculty, research specialists, research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and technician’s performance in coordination with the Associate Dean (AD) and Executive Associate Director (EAD) for Research (CARC).
• Assist in the development of CARC’s Plan of Work and Impact Statements.
• Monitor progress of all Plant Systems research initiatives, working in coordination with scientists, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Oversee the Plant Systems’ budget and resources and work closely with the EAD and research scientists to set priorities.
• Embrace and foster a culture to improve the success of research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and student research interns.
• Receive, review, investigate and resolve complaints/conflicts within the Plant Systems.
• Work with faculty with split teaching-research appointments to promote excellence in teaching, research, and service in accordance with the level of their appointment; facilitate faculty efforts at seeking external grant support.
• Work closely with other system chairs to foster cooperative/collaborative relationships and a shared vision.
• Foster and develop a culture of collaborative partnership beyond the boundaries of PVAMU.
• Work to foster, strengthen, and integrate relationships and collaborations among four strategic areas (Academics, Extension, Research, and Farm).
• Support team members to enhance publications and recognition through high-quality research.
• Work closely with the Information, Impact, and Sustainability Center (IISC) to ensure press releases highlighting the key findings of the Plant Systems’ research and distribute them to media that cater to general audiences and update web content regularly.
• Participate in College-wide/University/TAMUS Cooperative/Collaborative partnerships.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of CARC, Assistant Director of CARC, Associate Dean of Academic Programs, and the Dean/Director of Land-Grant Programs. 

Required Education and Experience: 

• Ph.D. with research experiences in the Plants, Agricultural or Related Sciences Fields or Crop Sciences.
• 7+ years of experience in leading a multidisciplinary group of researchers.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven record of publications in related field .
• Proven record in secured external grant funding in plant science related areas.
• A record of collaborations, involvement in professional development, and student research engagement activities.
• Must be excellent in written/oral communications with high proficiency in scientific English.

Other Requirements:

• Weekend or evenings work may be required occasionally.
• This position may require some travel.

Preferred Education, Experience and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Time management skills to be able to prioritize activities, especially when there is a high volume of tasks.
• Communication skills to be able to communicate with internal research members or collaborators and understand their needs.
• Strong organizational skills to perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to use basic computer programs including Microsoft Office 365 and a willingness to learn other statistical tools.
• Flexibility to move between activities and duties quickly if priorities change.

Job Posting Close Date:

• Until Filled

Required Attachments:

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:

All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process.

Background Check Requirements:

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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