Assistant Research Professor, Cotton Agronomy

The Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU), a land-grant institution, invites applications for a 12-month non-tenure-track Assistant Research Professor and State Extension Specialist position for cotton agronomy. The faculty position has a 60% Research and 40% Extension appointment and is located at the University of Missouri's (MU), Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center in Portageville, MO. The soils and topography of southeast Missouri (the most northern region of U.S. cotton production) offers researchers a unique opportunity to study different aspects of cotton production.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate is expected to establish an externally funded research program with a focus on applied agronomic research that evaluates and improves cotton production practices in southeast Missouri (60%), and to disseminate unbiased research-based information to producers and industry via extension presentations, publications, and media outlets (40%). Conducting cotton variety trials will also be a central responsibility, along with providing leadership to develop innovative cotton technologies for the future. The work will include developing an extramurally funded research program, planning, designing, and conducting field experiments (including data collection and statistical analyses), and publishing research findings via peer-reviewed journal contributions and extension articles. Collaboration with public and private researchers, farmers, and extension specialists is expected.

The T.E. "Jake" Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) (https://delta.missouri.edu/), is part of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station and contributes to MU's comprehensive land-grant responsibility. Its goal is to conduct high quality research that will respond to the needs of Missouri citizens, maintain and enhance our natural resource base, support a vital food and fiber system, and help keep Missouri producers competitive and profitable. FD-REEC staff work with campus faculty involved in teaching, research and extension along with state and federal agencies and Missouri agribusinesses to provide education and a reliable, safe, sustainable supply of food and other agricultural products. In addition, FD-REEC faculty commonly collaborate with other state university faculty and staff and with others in industry on joint research projects that impact local, state, regional, national and international clientele. The FD-REEC facilities include 1,119 acres at five locations representing the major soil types of the region. The FD-REEC headquarters consists of 23 offices, several modern laboratories and greenhouses, Foundation Seed cleaning and storage facilities, auditoriums, an exhibit hall, a library and an outstanding professional and support staff. Additionally, there are several dedicated cotton research facilities. These include a recently remodeled laboratory, research gin, and a new storage building plus a complete array of research equipment. While the position is located at the FD-REEC, the successful candidate will also be an integral faculty member of the Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in Columbia, MO (https://plantsciences.missouri.edu/).

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, or a related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Proficiency in cotton production practices is required, including weed and disease/insect control, fertility, tillage, and irrigation. Excellent oral skills to communicate with farmers and other commodity stakeholders and the ability to work well in a collaborative team are essential. Other skills include experience in precision agriculture (and digital technology as it relates to modernizing farming practices), the ability to secure funding, knowledge of operating and maintaining plot and farm-scale equipment, and proven experience in data analysis, and writing (e.g., grant proposals, scientific publications, and extension publications).

Review of applications will begin January 20, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Please submit a resume including a list of recent publications, experiences with grant writing, academic transcripts, and contact information for at least 3 references. In addition, please submit a cover letter in which the suitability for the required qualifications is clearly described. Applications should be submitted at the following website: (http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/index.php) Job ID 58184.

Contact: Questions pertaining to the job may be directed to Dr. Kevin Bradley, Chair of the Search Committee at University of Missouri (bradleyke@missouri.edu). Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at (573) 882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.