WINTER OILSEED AGRONOMY RESEARCHER, FOREVER GREEN INITIATIVE
UNIVERSITY CLASSIFICATION: Researcher 5 (#9752R5), 100% time

LOCATION: This position will be located in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics on the University of Minnesota campus in St. Paul, Minnesota.

ABOUT THE JOB: The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota (UMN) seeks a motivated scientist to lead an agronomic research program focused on the winter oilseed crops winter camelina (Camelina sativa) and domesticated field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense). Duties will include designing, executing, and analyzing data from agronomic research trials; publishing peer-reviewed papers; developing agronomic production support resources for growers; and managing yield trials.

This is a 100%-time position with initial funding for approximately four-and-one-half years (tentative June 2024-January 2030). Continuation beyond the initial appointment period is contingent on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The position requires regular field and laboratory work at the University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus and field work at other research sites across the state. This is a dynamic position; we are looking for someone who can handle shifting responsibilities and bring constructive ideas as we develop this research program.

We strongly encourage applications from applicants from diverse backgrounds.

BACKGROUND: The Forever Green Initiative (FGI) at the University of Minnesota is developing winter camelina and pennycress as novel winter-hardy crops that provide over-winter soil cover while also producing low-carbon vegetable oil and high-protein meal. These crops have the potential to simultaneously protect soil and water quality and meet the rapidly growing demand for low-carbon feedstocks for transportation fuels. Forever Green is advancing these crops with a multifaceted approach that includes improving crop germplasm through basic genomics and breeding; developing agronomically viable cropping systems; researching potential end uses; and developing supply chains and markets. This interdisciplinary approach requires active collaborations within the FGI team as well as with partners in academia, government, and the private sector.

The person in this position will have primary responsibility for conducting agronomic trials at multiple locations across Minnesota to expand knowledge of agronomic practices that are appropriate for production of winter oilseeds in a variety of cropping systems. Potential topics of interest include:

* Planting time, row spacing, seeding rates, harvest timing, and harvest equipment for relay- and double-crop systems.
* Seeding in no-till environments.
* Nitrogen (N) use efficiency, adaptive N management approaches, and overall fertility programs.
* Weed management.
* Yield stability and net return.

KEY PARTNERS:
* UMN Forever Green breeding and genomics teams for camelina and pennycress.
* Other UMN Forever Green agronomists, ecosystem scientists, biosystems engineers, and food scientists, among other disciplines.
* UMN Research and Outreach Centers and their farm management teams.
* Partners as USDA-ARS Morris, North Dakota State University, Western Illinois University, Illinois State University, private companies, and others who are involved in developing camelina and
pennycress varieties.

The position will work under the oversight of Dr. Mitch Hunter, Associate Director of the Forever Green Initiative and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics.

JOB DUTIES:
* Field research (30%) - Oversee field experiments related to the topics of interest listed above and others that may arise. Design experiments, schedule field space, secure materials, plant and manage crops, and collect data. Assist genomics/breeding teams with establishing yield plots. Travel to field sites is required throughout the growing season.
* Yield trials (15%) - Develop and manage yield trial program that is open to all breeders/developers of winter camelina and pennycress, including non-UMN academic researchers and private breeders.
* Lab activities (10%) - Process plant and soil samples; analyze or submit for analysis as appropriate.
* Data management and analysis (25%) - Manage and analyze all project data for grant reporting, peer-reviewed publications, yield trial bulletins, presentations, and other outreach products.
* Research dissemination (15%) - Write peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with Dr. Hunter and other collaborators. Prepare and deliver virtual and in-person presentations for
farmer field days, professional society conferences, state agency briefings, project update meetings, and other outreach events.
* Professional development (5%) - Activities will vary depending on the researcher's career goals. Opportunities exist to mentor students; participate in efforts to enhance diversity, equity,
inclusion, and justice; and contribute to future research through grant writing.


ANTICIPATED SALARY: $65,000 - $80,000, based on experience, and a competitive benefits package
(more information below in Benefits section)

Required Qualifications:
* PhD in agronomy, horticulture, soil science, environmental science or closely related field with 1 or more years of research experience.
* Excellent technical knowledge of agronomy, cropping systems, crop rotations, and related topics including nutrient and weed management.
* Ability to operate field equipment including tractors, tillage equipment, drills, planters, and combines.
* Ability to design, carry out, and analyze data from agronomic research trials.
* Strong organizational, data management, and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
* A strong commitment to respecting diversity and promoting a professional and inclusive work environment.
* Must possess and maintain an active and valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Substantial research experience and publication record.
* Experience with winter camelina, domesticated pennycress, or similar crops such as canola (Brassica napus) or carinata (Brassica carinata).
* Experience with producing educational communications and programming.
* Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information to scientific and nonscientific audiences.
* Comprehensive knowledge of Midwestern agricultural crop production.

This position is part of the within the in CFANS on the St. Paul, MN campus of the University of Minnesota.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position requires that you attach: a current resume/CV, cover letter, and list of three professional references.

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: Review will begin May 6, 2024; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

HIRING MANAGER: Dr. Mitch Hunter, mhunter@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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