The Department of Horticulture (https://horticulture.ca.uky.edu) seeks to fill a 12-month, Extension Title Series, tenure eligible, Assistant Professor position. This position will involve all aspects of the land-grant mission and has an expected distribution of effort (DOE) of 80% Extension, 15% teaching, and 5% service, a DOE that is subject to annual adjustment upon mutual agreement. The successful candidate will demonstrate utilization of high-quality Extension outcomes and applied plant science research with an emphasis on pioneering approaches in Community Horticulture. The anticipated start date is July 2024, or as negotiated.

Extension efforts will support small-scale production of specialty crops in urban agriculture and small-scale commercials systems, as well as the growing of food and ornamental plants in home (non-commercial) settings. The expectations for this position are to develop a high-impact Cooperative Extension Service program centered on plant production for rural and urban community audiences. Additionally, it is expected that this work will be embedded in community-based needs in Kentucky, contributing to food as health initiatives, horticulture therapy, local food systems, and/or other novel programming. This faculty member will work in an interdisciplinary environment with faculty, students, staff, and Extension professionals within the Department, University, and the Cooperative Extension Service, and will contribute to the College’s strategic plan goals of producing innovative solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration. It is expected that this work will be funded by competitive external grants that result in peer-reviewed publication, and that the candidate will develop scholarly Extension publications and resources, as well as build, maintain, and lead impactful internal and external collaborations and partnerships.

Successful candidates will exhibit a strong desire and commitment to quality teaching and student mentorship. Currently, the teaching component will involve being the lead instructor of a single course and making contributions to at least one additional course each year. Other responsibilities would include mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. The Department’s Horticultural Science undergraduate program trains the next generation of plant scientists and specialty crop producers. Departmental faculty are also involved in two nationally recognized interdisciplinary undergraduate programs: Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems and Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology. The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is part of the campus with a mission to showcase Kentucky landscapes and serve as a resource center for environmental and horticultural education, research, and conservation.

Qualifications: A PhD in horticulture or plant science or closely related field is required. Candidates are expected to possess, or be willing to develop, knowledge, and skills related to commercial horticultural production in an urban setting. The individual should demonstrate the ability to function as a team leader as well as within a team and to communicate effectively.

Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington Campus, Lexington, Kentucky with travel as needed.

Salary and Fringe Benefits: Salary is open and competitive. The faculty member is eligible for a generous benefits package with diverse rewards, focusing on employee total well-being. Benefit options include health, dental, and vision insurance. Employees receive term life insurance equal to their annual salary and may purchase additional amounts at favorable group rates. In the University retirement plan, the individual contribution of 5% of salary is matched by a 10% contribution by the university, with a 3-year vesting period. The university offers a variety of wellness and well-being programs. Additional information and updates to benefits can be found at: https://hr.uky.edu/insurance-and-retirement/health-insurance-and-benefits.

Application: Screening of applications will begin on February 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. The application should include a letter of interest that outlines the candidate’s approach to the position’s qualifications, responsibilities, and vision for innovative and impactful extension and instructional program that address existing and emerging issues for a diverse and inclusive community, followed by a career curriculum vita, and conclude with the name, address, email, and phone number for three references.