Position Summary

The Department of Horticulture (www.hrt.msu.edu) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a 12-month, non-tenure system faculty position to provide horticultural instruction and coordinate communication, recruiting and alumni relations efforts.  The position will be filled at the Academic Specialist/Teacher level. The successful candidate is expected to be an effective educator and mentor of undergraduate students and engage in institutional and professional service.

Instructional responsibilities may include up to 12 credits from the following topic areas: Introduction to Horticulture, Horticulture Career Development, International Studies in Horticulture, Horticulture Business Management and/or Horticulture Marketing.  Expertise for teaching Landscape Plant Identification, Landscape Design and Management Specifications and/or Landscape Contract Management will also be considered.  In addition to teaching responsibilities, the candidate will participate in supervising undergraduate internships and help to build relationships with horticultural industries. Additional responsibilities will be to help coordinate the alignment between departmental learning objectives, course design and content, and assessment. This includes working with course instructors on developing, reviewing, and revising learning objectives for undergraduate courses as well as collecting and analyzing learning objectives data each semester and presenting results to the Department and College. When needed, the candidate will work with faculty and the Department Chairperson to implement changes to learning outcomes assessments.

The successful candidate will coordinate the Department’s recruiting efforts, including participating in University and College recruiting and outreach programs, contacting potential majors and allied institutions to maximize the visibility of our programs and horticulture as a profession.  The successful candidate also will serve as the contact person for the Department’s outward-facing communication efforts.  Responsibilities include enhancing the Department’s social media presence to promote the Department’s accomplishments and impact through news feeds/press releases, highlight/focus articles, etc., as well as maintaining the alumni newsletter and helping coordinate events/fundraising opportunities with undergraduate students and alumni. 

The person filling this position will join a large and well-established faculty that includes a wide diversity of expertise in horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and marketing, as well as a network of horticultural extension educators across the state. Benefits include a competitive salary commensurate with the candidate’s background, education and experience, and attractive health, dental and retirement plans.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Horticulture or other plant-sciences

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Horticulture or other plant-sciences

Minimum Requirements

• M.S. in horticulture or other plant science-related discipline, or in landscape design or public gardens management (such as M.L.A. or Masters in Public Horticulture)
• Teaching experience at least at the junior/community college level
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively
• A passion for education and student mentoring

Desired Qualifications

• Teaching experience at a 4-year college or university
• Student recruitment experience related to growing course and/or major enrollment
• Experience working in a diverse environment and/or utilizing a variety of teaching/communication methods designed for broad student/stakeholder success
• Knowledge/experience teaching or developing online courses
• Familiarity with course learning outcomes and their assessment

Required Application Materials

• letter of application that summarizes your experience and qualifications for the position
•  current curriculum vitae and teaching portfolio if available
•  statements of Teaching philosophy that highlights your experience and alignment with the position description and required/desired qualifications
•  a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals
•  contact information for three professional references

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

There are two different postings listed on careers.msu.edu for this one open position based on qualifications.  To be considered for the opening based on your qualifications you must have applied for the position you are eligible to fill, candidates cannot be transferred from one posting to another.  If in doubt as to which is appropriate, please apply for both.  Posting #793153 is the other positing related to this opening.  

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Guo-qing Song

Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, songg@msu.edu, 517-353-0384.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/14/2022

Website

hrt.msu.edu

Department Statement

Horticulture and plant science: The Department's mission is to prepare our students for horticulture-related careers in science and business. This includes making new discoveries in the plant sciences; promoting the use of plants and food for improved human health and a safe environment; improving the characteristics, quality and availability of horticultural products; and strengthening the competitive position of the world's horticultural industries. Teaching greenhouses, Horticultural Demonstration Gardens, laboratories, and controlled environment and field-based facilities are available for teaching. Internships, study abroad, undergraduate research and participation in industry-related national organizations enhance the student experience. MSU is a global leader in basic and applied plant science research, teaching, and outreach, with over 150 faculty members engaged in programs ranging from sustainable agriculture and ecology to breeding, genomics and biochemistry. Plant science faculty, staff, and students represent an inclusive, diverse community committed to the advancement of science and the recruitment and retention of persons from richly varied backgrounds and perspectives to maintain and enhance the excellence of the University.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. MSU is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Information about WorkLife at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view Horticulture’s community norms and other DEI information at (https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/).

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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