Assistant/Associate Professor of Plant Breeding Genetics (Tenure Track) at Cornell University

Responsibilities: Advances in biochemistry, metabolomics, and metabolic engineering, and the availability of genomic sequences for food crop species are opening new and valuable research opportunities for plant breeding. This molecular breeding position will have responsibility for conducting innovative research exploring genetic/epigenetic/quantitative variation in plants and the association with phenotypic variation in traits relating to human and animal health and nutrition made accessible by the latest technologies. These efforts could be applied to traditional or specialty crops chosen specifically for their unique attributes. The range of possible outcomes would span foods with new nutritional and health-promoting functions or bioavailability, to the chemistry of flavors and texture to new bioactive food components. Because this is part of a cluster hire, preference will be given to candidates interested in forming collaborations with other faculty with complementary expertise in nutritional sciences, food science, and animal science, among others. Appointee will be expected to develop an externally funded research program; release novel lines, germplasm or genetic stocks; supervise graduate students; teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels related to plant breeding, plant genetics and genomics; and contribute to specialized courses, seminars, and team-taught courses, as well as to graduate training in plant breeding/plant genetics/genomics/plant molecular biology. We are seeking highly motivated individuals with strong research and teaching credentials. Strength in quantitative genetics/statistics is highly desirable. This position will have a 60:40 research and teaching responsibility. For more information visit our web site http://plbrgen.cals.cornell.edu.

Qualifications:
•Ph.D. in plant breeding, plant genetics/genomics, or plant molecular biology
•Experience in teaching, student advising, and research related to this position, either post-doctoral or pre-doctoral
•Evidence of ability to work with other researchers in interdisciplinary inquiry
•Evidence of ability to attract extramural support and lead an innovative research/ breeding program
•Postdoctoral and/or other relevant experience desirable.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with background and experience. An attractive fringe benefits package is available.

Applications: Candidates are requested to submit a letter of application; detailed resume; a personal statement of research and teaching experience, leadership efforts, and contribution to diversity; copies of university transcripts; copies of one or two publications; and names and contact information for three references combined into a single file in pdf format. Send by e-mail to Ms. Michelle Steigerwald (md464@cornell.edu) or by mail to Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, 240 Emerson Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. Reviews will start after (Feb 1, 2012). Inquiries may be sent to Mark Sorrells, 240 Emerson Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-1901; mes12@cornell.edu; 607-255-2180; 607-255-6683 (fax).

Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is an inclusive, dynamic, and innovative Ivy League university and New York's land-grant institution. Its staff, faculty, and students impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas and best practices to further the university's mission of teaching, research, and outreach.

Cornell University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educator.