Vegetable Specialist Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center Vincennes, Indiana

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research: Conduct an applied research program to complement extension efforts in vegetable crop and melon production. Primary research area is flexible but could involve cropping systems ecology, soil fertility / plant nutrition, irrigation management or weed science with an emphasis on sustainable production. Other research areas will be considered. Incumbent will be a key player with an evolving specialty crops center involving campus based staff.

Extension: Conduct an aggressive outreach program related to commercial horticulture with an emphasis on melons and vegetable crops. Develop educational programs appropriate to the needs of the industry and county extension professionals. Serving growers with a very strong research-based extension program is the major emphasis of this position. Meaningful interaction with commercial growers and marketers in southern Indiana is a key to success.

Teaching: Teach an introductory horticulture course at Vincennes University.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in horticulture, soil science, crop ecology, or a closely related field. Applicants should have knowledge of areas related to crop production, efficient use of crop production inputs, design of field experiments, and problem analysis. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential in this position. Ability to work effectively with clientele and county extension staff is essential and ability to work as a member of diverse teams is important. Organizational skills are expected.

APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:

The individual will be administratively responsible to the Head of the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette. The appointee will be a member of the Department’s Horticulture Extension Team as well as of the Southwest Purdue Agriculture Program multi-disciplinary extension/research team. This team serves the needs of the commercial vegetable industry in southern Indiana.

Professional appointment with Purdue University benefits including the TIAA-CREF retirement program, medical, life, and disability insurance. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with training and experience.

DATE AVAILABLE:

Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2008 or until position is filled.

APPLICATION:

Interested applicants need to apply online at www.purdue.edu/jobs, referencing posting number 0800880.

For questions on the employment process or how to apply,

please contact Joy Loflin, Employment Consultant, at 765-496-7266 or loflin@purdue.edu.

Visit our Web Site at: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity, Equal Access / Affirmative Action Employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.