POSITION DESCRIPTION
Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, Southwest Experiment Station and
College of Agriculture, University of Minnesota
TITLE: Cropping Systems Agronomist
RANK: Assistant Professor
BACKGROUND:
This is a twelve-month, tenure track, faculty position located at the Southwest Experiment
Station (SWES) in Lamberton, MN with tenure held in the Department of Agronomy and Plant
Genetics, Twin Cities Campus, University of Minnesota. The appointee will be responsible to
the Head of the SWES and the Head of the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. We
prefer employment to begin not later than September 1, 1994.
The Southwest Experiment Station is located 150 miles southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul in a
major corn and soybean producing region. Lamberton is a rural community with a population
of about 1000. The Southwest Experiment Station consists of 668 acres and is one of five
branch experiment stations in the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station system. Research
at the Station is primarily concerned with crop production as it pertains to the climate and soils
of southwest Minnesota. The adjacent 160 acre Koch Farm provides a unique opportunity for
research on sustainable cropping systems. The Cropping Systems Agronomist will work with
a soil scientist, a weed scientist, and a support staff of 15 full-time personnel located at the
Southwest Experiment Station. The facilities and location provide interesting research
opportunities for multidisciplinary studies involving several departments on the St. Paul
Campus, other branch stations, and federal and state agencies. The Station is also a center of
extension education activities in southwestern Minnesota.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
RESEARCH: The Cropping Systems Agronomist will be responsible for providing project
leadership and for participating in cooperative applied research. Collaborative research with
other agronomists and scientists from other disciplines will be strongly encouraged. Research
goals must be coordinated with the needs and directions of the Southwest Experiment Station
and the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. Appointment to the Graduate School
faculty and advising of graduate students is expected. Base funding for research will be
provided through the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station with an active search for
supplemental funding expected.
Priority is for multidisciplinary research leading to the development of sustainable cropping
systems for corn, soybean, small grain, forages, and other potential crops. Research will
include interdisciplinary efforts at the Koch Farm and at satellite farm sites.
OUTREACH AND PUBLIC SERVICE: The appointee will participate in the planning,
development and implementation of cropping system programs on request; communicate
research results through a variety of channels; and respond to public requests for
speaking/teaching opportunities related to the scientist's research program. Coordination of
field days and assistance in planning the crop management program for the station is expected.
The agronomist will also advise the Station Head with respect to the overall research program
at the station, outreach needs, personnel acquisition and evaluation, and budget preparation.
This person will also provide service by participating in activities and committees which
support the Station, Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, College of Agriculture and
the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum: A Ph.D. in agronomy or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
Desired: Experience in cropping systems and crop production research. On-farm work or
research experience. Skills in communication to diverse audiences including scientists, crop
advisors, extension educators, and growers. Disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborative
research efforts. Understanding and interest in sustainable and ecologically sound agricultural
systems. Coursework in agronomy, statistics, soil science, plant breeding, weed science, plant
pathology, entomology, and plant physiology. Two years of post-graduate experience.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary will be commensurate with education and career experience. Benefits will include
group life and health insurance, dental insurance, faculty retirement program, vacation and sick
leave, and opportunity for study leaves and sabbaticals.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION:
The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal
access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion,
national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veterans status, or
sexual orientation.
APPLICATIONS:
Please send a letter of application, undergraduate transcripts, graduate transcripts, curriculum
vita, and a one-page summary of career goals in the context of this position; and have 3 letters
of reference sent by May 1, 1994 to:
Dr. Craig C. Sheaffer, Chair
Cropping Systems Agronomist Search Committee
Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
411 Borlaug Hall
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN 55108
TEL: (612) 625-7224
FAX: (612) 625-1268
EMAIL: sheaf001@maroon.tc.umn.edu