Position Announcement
Division of Plant Sciences
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR)
University of Missouri

Position: Assistant Extension Professor and State Extension Specialist for Viticulture and Winery Operations. This is a professional-track (non-tenure) position in the Division of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri. The position, which is part of the Missouri Grape & Wine Institute (GWI), is located on the MU campus in Columbia, MO.

Responsibilities: This position will be the primary contact for extension education information, technology transfer and programming regarding viticulture and enology in Missouri. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized extension program in viticulture appropriate for Missouri and other transition zone states. The position will provide statewide program leadership that assists, supports, and strengthens the work of other state specialists, regional extension specialists, producers and winery operators and will work closely with industry representatives to facilitate technology transfer and adoption of best management practices. The successful candidate should generate and disseminate viticulture and enology information at workshops and short courses, contribute educational material to industry publications, newsletters, websites and other electronic communication outlets. The successful candidate will develop an applied and relevant research program that supports education efforts and will publish results in refereed journals and at professional meetings.

The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative team of faculty members in areas that include viticulture, enology, plant physiology, plant pathology, entomology, weed science, chemistry, meteorology, soil science and others, as appropriate. The position will work closely with other faculty and staff members in the Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology (ICCVE) and will be an active member of interdisciplinary teams in an effort to meet challenges facing Missouri’s grape and wine industries. This position will work closely with state government and producer organizations such as the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, the Missouri Grape Growers Association, Missouri Vintners Association, the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The incumbent is expected to attract extra- and intramural funding to support the program, to advise graduate students, and to serve the division, university, and professional societies as appropriate.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must have an earned PhD in viticulture or a closely related discipline and must have training and/or experience in applied research. Educational background and/or experience in enology is highly desirable. Effective oral and written communications skills are required. Prior experience in extension program development and delivery and in working with the grape and wine industry is desirable. Evidence of success in of extramural grant support and postdoctoral training are desirable. Students who have completed their PhD candidacy exams may be considered.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with training and experience. Benefits available include health, dental, life, and disability insurance and a retirement plan.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Screening of applicants will begin May 1, 2014.

Application Procedure: Applications should include a letter of application describing qualifications and career goals, a curriculum vitae, transcripts and contact information for four letters of reference. Please visit http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/index.php to submit an application.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Bill Wiebold at 573-882-0621 or wieboldw@missouri.edu.

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu.