Assistant Professor of Horticultural Science - Cookeville, TN, United States

Description · Description of Job Duty: · The School of Agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Human Ecology at Tennessee Tech University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Horticultural Science. This is a full-time, 9-month tenure-track positio ...

Job description

Description

Description of Job Duty:

The School of Agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Human Ecology at Tennessee Tech University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Horticultural Science. This is a full-time, 9-month tenure-track position with responsibilities in teaching (50%), research (45%), and service (5%).

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized teaching and research program in horticultural science using a multidisciplinary approach.  The responsibilities of the position include:

• Teach both undergraduate and graduate level courses in horticulture including nursery production and management, landscaping, floriculture, plant propagation, greenhouse management, and controlled environment horticulture. 

• Advise students and collaborate with organizations, agencies, and schools for placement of students in internships and projects to develop critical skill sets. 

• Conduct innovative basic and/or applied horticultural science research under field, controlled environment and laboratory conditions through independent and collaborative efforts with other faculty within the college, university, and other institutions.

• Write grant proposals and obtain external funding to support his or her research program. 

• Publish in peer-reviewed journals in his or her discipline. 

• Contribute to the school/college/university through service activities.

Physical Demands:

Those typical of an office/classroom environment.

Special Instructions:

All applicants will be required to electronically upload:

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Copy of Transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon hire)

• Statement of Teaching Philosophy

• Statement of Research Plan

• Email contact information for three references who will be contacted at the time of application to provide a reference letter. 

Questions should be directed to: Dr. Jinfa Zhang, Director and Professor, School of Agriculture, P.O. Box 5034, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN 38505, E-mail: Phone:

Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience. Full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position to begin August 1, 2026.

Benefits Information:

Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. degree (or in hand by hire date) from an accredited institution in horticulture, plant science, agronomy, or a related field.  

• Demonstrated ability and research experiences to conduct horticultural science research in relevant areas using both traditional and modern technologies. 

• Record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals. 

• Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain extramural funding through grant proposals.

• A strong background and experience in experimental design of field/laboratory and greenhouse trials, data management, and statistical analysis. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

• Strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching and advising. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research and teaching in horticultural science and related topics that have resulted in peer-reviewed publications. 

• Post-doctoral experience in horticulture or related areas. 

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, including online/hybrid modalities.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, staff, students, other academic programs, stakeholders, and agencies. 

• Demonstrated ability to conduct program planning, implementation, and evaluation. 

• Demonstrated ability or potential to provide effective academic and career advising to students.