We seek applicants for a 12-month, tenure track position in Small Fruit Extension (70%) and Research (30%).  Earned Ph.D. degree in Horticulture, Crop Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology or related field with experience in small fruit production (grapes, strawberries, blackberries, and/or blueberries). The successful candidate must have a strong desire to develop a modern small fruit extension and research program that integrates traditional and electronic approaches to deliver educational programs and publications. He/she will have demonstrated research productivity through publications in relevant refereed journals, and an existing record of, or strong potential for, successful grant procurement. It is essential that the incumbent conduct team-oriented extension and research, exhibit exceptional leadership abilities, and demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.

The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty from the Departments of Horticultural Science and other CALS departments and with faculty from other universities through interaction with the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium (SRSFC).  The candidate will be expected to: 1) develop a nationally and internationally recognized Extension and research program focusing initially on strawberries and grapes with additional crops such as blackberries, and blueberries at a later time;  2) use traditional and electronic-based media to develop new production information for North Carolina and southeastern US growers and Extension agents; 3) provide intellectual and strategic support to projects working to integrate best management practices 4) establish collaborative partnerships with faculty based at North Carolina State University (NCSU), as well as with other universities, federal agencies and the private sector; 5) provide input to NC strawberry and grape commodity industries on and participate in annual field days and commodity meetings; 6) establish a rigorous, nationally, and internationally recognized, extramurally funded strawberry and grape production research program; 7) publish research results in relevant peer reviewed publications; 8) maintain a dynamic web presence, and 9) chair and serve on graduate student committees.

Position Available:      
February 1, 2017

Qualifications:             
Earned Ph.D. degree in Horticulture, Crop Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology or related field with experience in small fruit production (grapes, strawberries, blackberries, and/or blueberries). The successful candidate must have a strong desire to develop a modern small fruit extension and research program that integrates traditional and electronic approaches to deliver educational programs and publications. He/she will have demonstrated research productivity through publications in relevant refereed journals, and an existing record of, or strong potential for, successful grant procurement. It is essential that the incumbent conduct team-oriented extension and research, exhibit exceptional leadership abilities, and demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.

Industry information:
Small fruit crops (strawberries, blueberries, caneberries, and grapes) are dynamic and expanding industries in North Carolina. Collectively these in North Carolina (NC) these high value crops have a total farm-gate value of $98M. Cash receipts for individual commodities are: grapes $5M, strawberry $23M, blackberry $12M and blueberry $58M. The NC Strawberry fresh market industry is ranked 3^rd in the nation. The NC wine industry expanded from 19 wineries in 2000 to over 160 in 2016. About 5,000 acres of muscadine grapes are grown in the Southeastern US and about 1500 acres of bunch grapes are grown in NC. Blackberry industry, although relatively new, the production area and farm numbers exceed US growth with a 132 and 211% increase from 1997 to 2007.  In 2010, the NC blueberry growers produced 17.7M kg of fruit on about 12,000 acres.

Responsibilities:           
This position will collaborate with faculty from the Departments of Horticultural Science, Crop and Soil Sciences, Plant Pathology and Entomology, and Agriculture and Resource Economics in CALS and with faculty from other universities through interaction with the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium (SRSFC).  The candidate will be expected to: 1) develop a nationally and internationally recognized Extension and research program focusing initially on strawberries and grapes with additional crops such as blackberries, and blueberries at a later time;  2) use traditional and electronic-based media to develop new production information for North Carolina and southeastern US growers and Extension agents; 3) provide intellectual and strategic support to projects working to integrate best management practices 4) establish collaborative partnerships with faculty based at North Carolina State University (NCSU), as well as with other universities, federal agencies and the private sector; 5) provide input to NC strawberry and grape commodity industries on and participate in annual field days and commodity meetings; 6) establish a rigorous, nationally, and internationally recognized, extramurally funded strawberry and grape production research program; 7) publish research results in relevant peer reviewed publications; 8) maintain a dynamic web presence, and 9) chair and serve on graduate student committees.

Application:                 
Applicants should apply online at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/70725. Attach a cover letter and CV to the online applicant profile, transcripts, and include the names and contact information for at least three references.

Application Deadline: 
August 31, 2016, or until an acceptable candidate is identified.

For questions, contact:
Dr. Sara Spayd, Chair, Search Committee
Telephone: 919.515.2505
E-mail: sespayd@ncsu.edu

Dr. Brian Whipker, Interim Assistant Department Head
Telephone: 919.515.5374
E-mail: bwhipker@ncsu.edu

AA/EOE:                     
Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.  NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (919) 515-3148. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree verified at www.wes.org. Degree must be obtained prior to start date.  NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.