The Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate invites excellent scientists to apply for an opportunity to pursue basic and applied science towards the development and optimization of controlled environment production systems. The successful candidate should also collaborate across disciplines to investigate plant/environment interactions relevant to   field agriculture and  plant biology.  Similarly, we look for an excellent teacher to instruct, inspire, and mentor students in plant biology and agriculture.

We expect this scientist to expand our understanding of whole plant physiology using controlled environments as a research tool (protected horticulture ranging from growth rooms, climate-controlled greenhouses, and high tunnels).  Applications might include a wide range of specialty crops (ornamentals, vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants, and or fruit)  Areas of emphasis could include water reuse and water use efficiency, optimization of mineral nutrition using hydroponics and soilless substrates, optimization of production with CO2 enrichment, advanced lighting technologies, and the identification and selection of novel high-value crops. This position offers the opportunity to continue our 40-year legacy of NASA-funded research on food production for deep space missions.  These NASA-funded studies have direct implications for food production on Earth.

The division of roles in this position will be 65% Research, 30% Teaching, 5% Service.

Evaluation of the applicants will begin on Nov. 15 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Estimated start date is August 1, 2025

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally-funded research program important to the state and region.
• Develop and teach a fundamental undergraduate course in whole-plant physiology and anatomy, plus a second course in their field of expertise.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and research technicians.
• Collaborate with a wide range of scientists in disciplines such as plant biology, entomology, plant pathology, genetics, etc.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline and to compete successfully for external funding to support their research programs.
• Contribute to the department/college/university through service.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in plant science, plant physiology, botany, or related discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge of controlled-environment management practices for diverse plants
• Experience with classroom teaching of students in higher education.
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals
• Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain competitive funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in fundamental plant research using controlled environments.
• Demonstrated communication skills across diverse disciplines.
• Evidence of effective mentoring of students and staff.
• Experience with online or remote delivery of teaching.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
2. 1-2 page Research statement to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
3. 1-2 page Teaching statement to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
4. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile
5. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 01/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023