Assistant Professor, Molecular Biology of Plant Defense

The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Molecular Biology of Plant Defense. This faculty position is a 12-month, tenure-track position with an 90% Research and 10% Teaching appointment.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an outstanding colleague to advance our department and college goals to conduct world-class research and education, and to achieve societal impact. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong and well-recognized research program to understand molecular mechanisms of host responses to plant-associated microorganisms, and ideally, this knowledge can achieve translational benefit.

Significant advances have been made in recent years to understand the molecular basis of plant responses to biotic stress, and we seek a scientist to integrate this knowledge with modern technological advancements in molecular, biochemical, cellular, and computational biology or related disciplines. Examples of research topics include, but are not limited to, the molecular functions of resistance or susceptibility genes, the biology of protein-protein interactions underlying plant defense and signaling pathways, molecular interactions between microbiomes and the plant immune system, and synthetic approaches to engineer and bolster plant immunity. The Department seeks a collaborative scientist to complement and expand our strengths in plant biotic interactions and plant genetics research. Collaboration in crop systems is strongly encouraged for this position.

The successful candidate is expected to build an innovative, externally funded research program, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring. This position has a preferred starting date of August 2025, with a competitive salary and start-up funds commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Department: The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University comprises of a large and diverse group of scientists with an excellent reputation in research, teaching, and extension. Our strengths are in applied plant pathology, microbiology, biosecurity, disease diagnosis and management, host-parasite resistance genetics, pathogen and microbe genetics and genomics, and biotechnology. Additional information can be found at http://www.plantpath.k-state.edu.

The University:Kansas State University is located in Manhattan amongst the scenic Flint Hills, 125 miles west of Kansas City and 50 miles west of Topeka. Kansas State University is the nation's first land-grant institution, and currently has an enrollment of ~24,000 students.

This position is required to be performed on-site on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, plant biology, plant pathology, or related fields.
• Postdoctoral experience related to molecular plant defense.
• Demonstrated excellence and originality in research.
• A commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in research and education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A track record in securing external funding and experience in teaching are preferred.

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum vitae (CV)

3. Research statement describing research interests, accomplishments, and plans (3 pages max)

4. Teaching statement describing teaching experience and philosophy (1 page max)

5. Contact information for three professional references

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Sanzhen Liu, Ph.D. Tel: (785) 532-1379; E-mail: liu3zhen@ksu.edu; Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, 1712 Claflin Rd, 4024 Throckmorton Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.

Immediately. For best consideration, apply by March 20, 2025. Screening of applications will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Salary is commensurate with experience and consistent with the position sought.