Position Summary
The Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month tenure track Assistant Professor to serve as curator of the MSU Horticulture Gardens, with a 70% Extension/outreach and 30% research assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be January 1, 2024, but will remain open until filled.
The successful candidate will oversee outreach and educational programming in, and coordinate future directions for, the garden activities and events associated with the Department of Horticulture. A major component (50%) of this position will be developing and delivering the educational programming for the 4-H Children’s Garden. Additional responsibilities are the curatorial aspects of the Horticulture Gardens including the Annual Trial Gardens, the Judith DeLapa Perennial Display Gardens, the Rose Gardens, and the C.E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum. Our Horticulture Gardens have a long history of community and disciplinary engagement and outreach, and are managed by a professional staff of six horticulturists, in addition to an experienced cohort of volunteers, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations, events and maintenance of the Gardens.
The successful candidate will develop a nationally/internationally recognized program of peer-reviewed research and outreach scholarship, intramurally (4-H Foundation) and extramurally-funded through collaborative and/or independent efforts. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) learning through plants; public engagement in science, gardens and nature programming; field trip design and pedagogy; expanding/enhancing access to science education for underrepresented groups; educational technology integration with hands-on learning; gardens as tools for health, wellness, and ecosystem services; plant adaption to climate change; environmental education; etc.
This position is part of the MSU Extension Children and Youth Institute (CYI), as well as being tenured in the Department of Horticulture. As such, the incumbent is expected to develop scholarly collaborations among the MSU Landscape/Nursery/Floriculture faculty and statewide MSU Extension Educator teams to disseminate information to science educators, community groups, 4-H audiences and national organizations.
Responsibilities Include:
- Identify, design, implement, and evaluate research-based educational and outreach programs for the Horticulture Gardens that meet current and projected needs related to gardens and gardening, utilizing the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden as a model.
- Provide leadership and vision for the MSU Horticulture Gardens and the 4-H Children’s Garden including planning, oversight and allocation of the endowment and revenue budgets.
- Explore and implement programs that lead to changes in public knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors through collaboration in research, engagement with community members, and dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including in-person and multimedia programming and written communications.
- Develop, produce, and deliver research-based educational materials and peer reviewed outreach and research articles with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive to diverse audiences and is consistent with MSU Horticulture Gardens and 4-H Children’s Garden mission.
- Generate extramural funding to further support and expand the outreach/extension activities and programming in the Gardens, from federal and state agencies (e.g., NSF, USDA, NEEF, Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education, etc.).
- Maintain and grow connections in conjunction with the Michigan 4-H Foundation, and CANR and MSU Development Offices to existing and new garden donors that expand 4-H Children’s/Horticulture Garden funding.
- Gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness, and to guide future program priorities for the Department of Horticulture, MSU Extension, and Michigan 4-H Youth Development.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Horticulture, Plant Biology, Science Education or a related discipline.
Minimum Requirements
- Candidates must hold a doctoral/Ph.D. degree in Horticulture, Plant Biology, Science Education, or a related discipline.
- Track record of accomplishment within their field of expertise.
- Passion for public gardens and public/community horticulture.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge, skills, and passion for education and outreach.
- Ability to work collaboratively, both as a team member and a leader.
- Ability to work with children and the general public.
Desired Qualifications
- Administrative skills for overseeing budget and funding opportunities
- Knowledge of and experience in public gardens and arboreta.
- Experience/track-record in successful grant writing, attracting extramural support, and working with donor groups and organizations.
- Knowledge/ experience in adult and youth education.
- Expertise in, and connections to, multiple segments of horticultural industries such as floriculture, nursery/landscape, fruit, and vegetable production.
- Experience working in a diverse environment and/or utilizing a variety of hands-on teaching/communication methods designed for broad student/stakeholder success.
Required Application Materials
Upload the following required documents:
a) letter of application that summarizes your (Outreach/Extension and Research) qualifications and accomplishments;
b) current curriculum vitae;
c) statements of Outreach/Research philosophy that highlights your experience and alignment with the position description and qualifications;
d) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and e) contact information for three professional references.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Special Instructions
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on September 30, 2023 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Please direct any questions to the search committee chairperson, Tom Fernandez (fernan15@msu.edu; 517-353-0366).
Review of Applications Begins On
09/29/2023
Website
hrt.msu.edu
Department Statement
Horticulture and plant science: MSU is a global leader in basic and applied plant science research, outreach and teaching, with over 150 plant science faculty members engaged in programs ranging from sustainable agriculture and ecology to breeding, genomics and biochemistry. State-of-the-art gardens, laboratories, and controlled environment- and field-based facilities are available for extension programming and research. Plant science faculty, staff, and students represent an inclusive, diverse community committed to the advancement of science and the recruitment and retention of persons from richly varied backgrounds and perspectives to maintain and enhance the excellence of the University.
Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one o
