Assistant Professor of Landscape Sustainability

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Assistant Professor of Landscape Sustainability

Department of Plant Science

College of Agricultural Sciences

The Pennsylvania State University

The Department of Plant Science in the College of Agriculture Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Assistant Professor of Landscape Sustainability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Pennsylvania State University is pleased to invite qualified applicants to apply for an Assistant Professor of Landscape Sustainability position. This is a full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Plant Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences with a 50% research and 50% teaching appointment. The successful candidate will specialize in green infrastructure and sustainable landscape construction, installation, and management, and will conduct novel research benefiting the green industry in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Research will focus on landscape-based approaches to climate resilience and could include areas such as landscape biodiversity, urban forest health management, regenerative landscape design, stormwater management, technologies and strategies for green infrastructure, and/or design of urban environments for climate adaptation. Research could also include sustainable residential landscape management, prioritizing pest resistant, low input woody and herbaceous landscape plants.

The candidate will collaborate with faculty within and outside of PSU and industry partners to address pressing sustainability issues for the green industry. The individual will develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program focused on climate-resilient landscapes and supported with competitive extramural funding. They will also recruit and train graduate students and publish research in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline.

The successful candidate will also teach three courses annually, including Landscape Construction I and II, and Landscape Plant Establishment and Maintenance. The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop another interdomain course related to sustainable landscapes and/or their area of expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in horticulture, landscape architecture, plant science, environmental resource management, or a related field is required. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills and must possess disciplinary depth in a field relevant to landscape sustainability, with the ability and desire to approach sustainability issues represented by a variety of built landscape scenarios. Applicants should provide evidence for conducting and publishing research, expertise in appropriate research methods, excellence in teaching, and ability to mentor and advise graduate students. Interest in and ability to contribute to interdisciplinary research collaborations in one or more areas central to the College of Agricultural Sciences is expected. An ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students across the university is required.

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and retirement contributions.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates should apply online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. Review of applications will begin on March 17, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, the names and contact information for three references, a statement of research experiences/future interests, and a statement of teaching pedagogy/interests. Applicants should provide evidence, either woven through their application materials or as a separate diversity statement, of a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, and belonging and of engagement that creates an inclusive environment in their classroom, Department, and the University.

START DATE: August 1, 2025 or as negotiated.

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship of teaching, research, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups in academia to apply.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: