Assistant Professor - Urban and Managed Landscapes

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking talented candidates for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. This role will have a distribution of effort comprising 40% Research, 40% Teaching, and 20% Service, focusing on urban managed landscapes. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the US, and there is increasing demand for accessible greenspaces and recreational areas in urban areas. Turfgrasses are an important component of urban greenspaces, with the turf and related urban landscape industry representing a prominent economic engine for Massachusetts. The faculty member is expected to develop an interdisciplinary, nationally recognized, integrated program focused on sustainable urban landscape management. Areas of emphasis may include emerging technologies that enable precise water and nutrient management, incorporating resilient turfgrass and ornamental plants in urban green spaces, turfgrass-soil interactions, and weed biology and management. The successful candidate will collaborate with the UMass Extension Turf Team and the Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Team to develop research-based solutions and provide expertise and consultation to industry professionals, golf courses, sports turf managers, and other relevant stakeholders. Strong collaborative and interdisciplinary skills are essential. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to publish research in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at conferences, and actively pursue external funding to support research and extension programs through grants and contracts.

The appointed individual will be responsible for designing and delivering undergraduate and graduate courses in turfgrass management, urban landscapes, and related fields within their expertise. They will also provide guidance to students, oversee graduate research endeavors, and contribute to curriculum development. Central to our mission is a commitment to educating and supporting a diverse student body, professionals in the field, and the wider community. Responsibilities will include active participation in departmental, college, and university committees. The department values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and who possess a strong commitment to contributing to the success of historically underrepresented groups.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in agronomy, turfgrass science, soil science, or related fields. Degree requirements must be completed by the appointment start date. Postdoctoral experience is desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in turfgrass management, agronomy, soil fertility, or abiotic and biotic stress management.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through publications in reputable journals and presentations at conferences.
• Experience or potential in securing external funding for research.
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, with evidence of effective instruction and mentorship.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and industry partners.

Additional Information

The expected start date of this position is September 1, 2025.

Information for prospective faculty: https://www.umass.edu/prospective-faculty/

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit: 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position, 2) curriculum vitae (CV) detailing education, professional experience, publications, grants, and awards, 3) a statement of teaching philosophy and goals, 4) statement of research interests and goals, 5) statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion (see below), and 6) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applicants will begin December 1, 2024, and will continue until the ideal candidate is identified. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Geunhwa Jung (jung@umass.edu).

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan. For this reason, we request that all applicants submit a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement that addresses how you see yourself contributing to our community and campus climate and/or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community.

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.