Assistant/Associate Professor /Director Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

This position supports programmatic areas that focus upon the management of genetic resources for herbaceous ornamental plants, especially for species native to North America. The successful candidate is expected to build an externally funded and internationally recognized research program with expertise in population genetics, seed biology, plant stress response, or ornamental plant breeding, especially as these areas of expertise relate to native species.

The position also includes responsibility as the Director of the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC, https://opgc.osu.edu/), a component of the US National Plant Germplasm System charged with preserving genetic diversity within herbaceous ornamental species. Responsibilities of the Director include the formulation and implementation of OPGC policies, plans, and programs as well as leading multidisciplinary team efforts to acquire, document, characterize, maintain, evaluate, and enhance herbaceous ornamental plant genetic resources. Other responsibilities involve managing all OPGC fiscal resources, serving as a member of the Plant Germplasm Operations Committee of the USDA-ARS, and identifying and coordinating opportunities for research, education, and outreach. The successful candidate should possess demonstratable expertise in coordinating/liaising efforts among a diverse array of commercial, research and governmental agencies. The Director must be an advocate who promotes the mission, accomplishments, and sustainability of the OPGC.

Both the successful candidate’s research program and its influence on the overall direction of the OPGC should address the needs of the floriculture and nursery industries, associated scientific and breeding communities, germplasm acquisition, including collection expeditions and inter-institutional exchange, augmenting and preserving genetic diversity within select species for future use benefitting humankind.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the Department’s academic mission by teaching two to three undergraduate or graduate courses per year that contribute to its core curriculum or strengthen the core by designing and delivering courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.

Qualifications:

The minimum qualification for this position is an earned Ph.D. in horticulture or related disciplines in plant science or genetics. Desirable characteristics include knowledge and familiarity with herbaceous ornamental species as well as experience with germplasm acquisition, maintenance and distribution, population genetics, ornamental plant breeding, seed biology or plant stress responses. Teaching or outreach experience, grant-writing skills, and managerial expertise are also desirable.

Application Instructions:

Complete applications should include the following:  1) a letter of application; 2) a statement of philosophy and approach to teaching; 3) a statement of research interests; 4) a complete curriculum vitae 5) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses, of three references, and 6) a statement of philosophy and approach to building a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students, and OPGC clients.  The diversity statement may describe the candidate’s past or current contributions and activities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and/or a vision for promoting these ideals as a researcher or educator in the conduct of an academic career.

Review of applications will begin after February 27, 2022.  Application deadline is April 1.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS REGARDING THE POSITION:

Please contact Horticulture and Crop Science Chair, Dr. Doug Karcher ( (479) 263-1293,  karcher.3@osu.edu.

Please visit and apply at: https://osujoblinks.com/kqvd

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other bases under the law. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the Equal Employment Identification form.