Job Information
Colorado State University Professor of Potato Improvement (Assistant, Associate, or Full) in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleProfessor of Potato Improvement (Assistant, Associate, or Full)
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Posting Number202500018F
Proposed Annual Salary RangeAssistant Professor: $85,000 - $100,000 Associate Professor: $95,000 - $120,000 Professor: $120,000 - $150,000
Employee Benefits
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Position TypeFaculty
Work Hours/Week40
Description of Work Unit
This position is primarily based at the Fort Collins, CO campus location, providing the opportunity to work alongside exceptional plant improvement programs in wheat, maize, and sorghum as well as with faculty leading vibrant programs in microbiome research, plant metabolomics, and plant-microbe/insect interactions. The incumbent will also travel to work onsite with faculty, scientists, and staff at the San Luis Valley Research Center ( SLVRC ) in Center, CO. Currently, the potato improvement program is supported at the SLVRC by four research associates with expertise in classical field-, greenhouse-, and laboratory-based plant improvement approaches. This position also collaborates with the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station ( CSU AES ), the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee ( CPAC ), and the Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association ( CCPGA ). Stewarding and supporting these existing relationships and those with extension specialists and grower collaborators will be essential to the continued success of this program.
The San Luis Valley Research Center is part of a network of 10 research centers throughout the state. The first San Luis Valley Research Center was established in 1888 (the same year the main station at Fort Collins was established) on 200 acres of state land near the Rio Grande River, seven miles east of Del Norte. The research center has a continuing commitment to the people of the San Luis Valley ( SLV ) and the State of Colorado to provide research information, conduct extension education and seed certification programs. Beginning in 1940, the principal research activity was focused on selecting potato varieties adaptable to the region. In 1979 a potato breeding program was initiated to complement the selection activity. Research on cultural practices including disease and pest studies was also conducted. In the early 1920s, the Colorado Certified Seed Growers Association initiated a seed certification program located on the Colorado State University campus which was co located at the SLVRC in 1964.
Tenure/Tenure Track?Yes
% Research65
% Teaching20
% Service15
% Administration0
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on03/24/2025
Number of Vacancies
Desired Start Date
Position End Date
Position Summary
The College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University ( CSU ) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate/Full Professor faculty position in potato improvement. This position is expected to be a 65% research, 20% teaching, and 15% service appointment on a 9-month contract. This position’s effort allocation is negotiable with the home academic department.
We seek applications from scientists to continue and develop an innovative potato improvement program at CSU . The successful applicant will be expected to integrate modern and conventional methods to make genetic and genomic discoveries and to improve potato germplasm. Candidates are sought with demonstrated capacity to integrate next-generation technologies and large datasets with classical field-, greenhouse-, and laboratory-based plant improvement approaches in their research program. Candidates should have a strong record of collaborative research, strong program management and leadership skills, and a desire to incorporate new techniques and technologies to advance the field of potato breeding. This work should lead to an improved understanding of genetic and environmental factors that affect potato and it should develop varieties, inbred lines, and hybrids to improve the local and national potato industry, and advance plant improvement theory.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and/or graduate level courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. A 20% teaching appointment is equivalent to one 3-credit class and contribution to a second class per year. Graduate student advising, participation with undergraduate research and mentoring, and contributions toward outreach and service activities are expected. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of Colorado State University’s Principles of Communityhttps://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/principles-of-community
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel - occasional travel from campus to SLVRC in Center, CO
Required Job Qualifications
Assistant Professor
• Ph.D. in a field related to plant improvement, such as integrated plant sciences, plant breeding, plant genetics, or a related field completed by the deadline for full consideration.
• A strong record of scholarly achievement commensurate with experience.
• Effective communication skills, with an emphasis on presenting and disseminating research information to a range of audiences.
• Experience participating in or leading a plant improvement program
• Knowledge of genomics and its application to crop breeding
• Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of Colorado State University’s Principles of Communityhttps://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/principles-of-community
Associate Professor
• Ph.D. in a field related to plant improvement, such as integrated plant sciences, plant breeding, plant genetics, or a related field completed by the deadline for full consideration.
• A strong record of scholarly achievement commensurate with experience.
• Effective communication skills, with an emphasis on presenting and disseminating research information to a range of audiences.
• Experience participating in or leading a plant improvement program
• Knowledge of genomics and its application to crop breeding
•Track record of obtaining competitive research grant funding.
• Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of Colorado State University’s Principles of Communityhttps://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/principles-of-community
Professor
• Ph.D. in a field related to plant improvement, such as integrated plant sciences, plant breeding, plant genetics, or a related field completed by the deadline for full consideration.
• A strong record of scholarly achievement commensurate with experience.
• Effective communication skills, with an emphasis on presenting and disseminating research information to a range of audiences.
• Experience participating in or leading a plant improvement program
• Knowledge of genomics and its application to crop breeding
•Track record of obtaining competitive research grant funding.
•Ability to lead collaborative research at national and international levels.
•Experience with engagement and outreach with agricultural producers and other external partners.
• Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of Colorado State University’s Principles of Communityhttps://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/principles-of-community
Preferred Job Qualifications
Assistant Professor
Potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students
Track record of obtaining competitive research grant funding.
Capacity for program leadership and management.
Ability to lead collaborative research at regional, national, and international levels.
Experience with engagement and outreach with agricultural producers and other external partners.
Associate Professor
Potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students
Capacity for program leadership and management.
Ability to lead collaborative research at regional, national, and international levels.
Experience with engagement and outreach with agricultural producers and other external partners.
Professor
Potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students
Capacity for program leadership and management.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current CV, Statement of Teaching Philosophy (limit two pages). Statement of Research Philosophy (limit two pages), and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. If you have questions, please contact Amy.Charkowski@Colostate.edu.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Search ContactAmy Charkowski, Amy.Charkowski@colostate.edu
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryResearch, Creative Scholarship & Supervision
Duty/Responsibility
Research and creative scholarship in potato improvement, including potato genomics, breeding and/or related sciences that measurably benefit external local and national partners in the potato industry, as well as consumers.
The incumbent is expected to obtain competitive grant funding, publish research reports and manuscripts, and participate in or lead research collaborations.
This position includes supervision of Research Associates at San Luis Valley Research Center.
Percentage Of Time65
Job Duty CategoryTeaching & Advising
Duty/Responsibility
Co-teach undergraduate level and/or graduate level courses in the candidate’s broad area of expertise.
The class(es) must contribute to curriculum needs identified within the department.
Graduate student advising, participation with undergraduate research and mentoring.
Percentage Of Time20
Job Duty CategoryService/Engagement/Outreach
Duty/Responsibility
- Outreach and engagement with local and national industry partners; service on CSU committee assignments; service to local or national scientific organizations related to candidate’s area of expertise.
Percentage Of Time15
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Statement of Research Philosophy
Optional Documents