Assistant Professor of Horticulture / Plant Biology
- Gallatin, TN Bozeman, MT
- $78,000-80,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
For questions regarding this position, please contact:Rebekah VanWieren406-994-7539
Classification Title
Working Title Assistant Professor of Horticulture / Plant Biology
Brief Position OverviewThe PSPP Department conducts research and teaches in the broad areas of agronomy, horticulture, plant biology, plant pathology, genetics, entomology, sustainable crop production, and landscape design. We seek a collaborative and innovative plant scientist whose research focuses on abiotic stress tolerance in horticultural systems and whose teaching contributes to key areas of our plant biology and horticulture curricula. As the largest horticulture program in Montana, faculty, staff, and students work to impact the horticulture industry and landscapes in semi-arid geographies, for addressing concerns of sustainability, environmental risks, and economic viability for all producers.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank TT
Position Number 4A3049
Department Plant Sciences
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type Faculty
Contract Term Academic Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $78,000 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type MUS
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type OpenPosition DetailsGeneral StatementFounded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, (MSU) is composed of eight academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University enrolls over 17,000 students, including nearly 2,000 graduate students. MSU is in Bozeman, Montana, a community of 57,000 situated in the Gallatin Valley, and part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesThis tenure-track position requires that the successful candidate develop an externally funded, nationally recognized research program in horticultural crops or systems. Prioritized focal areas include abiotic stress tolerance for drought, cold, heat, or salinity stress in ornamentals, turf, woody species, or crops relevant to semi-arid or high-elevation regions. Both basic and applied approaches, including model systems, are welcome. Research projects will include engagement with stakeholder communities such as nursery, landscape, urban forestry, or turf management professionals in Montana and the region. Collaborative research and scholarship related to teaching and learning are also encouraged. This individual will support their research with extramural funding and publish original research in refereed journals and other appropriate venues.The successful candidate will develop an innovative and collaborative teaching program relevant to the missions of the Department, College and University. Instructional responsibilities include two 3-credit courses annually that tie into the horticulture and plant science undergraduate programs (e.g., plant propagation, herbaceous ornamentals, introduction to plant science, turfgrass or landscape management), with flexibility to align with expertise and departmental needs. Interdisciplinary projects, community engagement, and other high quality high-impact educational practices are encouraged. The successful candidate will also advise undergraduate and graduate students in academic and research/creative activities that relate to horticulture.
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * Ph.D. in horticulture, plant biology, or related field.
- Potential for excellence in research and a publication record commensurate with career level.
- Potential for excellence in teaching.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other faculty and scientists.
- Past record or evidence of scholarly activity.
- Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding from a combination of public and private sources.
- Contribute successfully to PSPP community and collaborate with the horticulture group.
- Possess excellent written and oral communications skills.
- Possess effective interpersonal skills.
- Be committed to student success, advising/mentoring, and quality teaching.
Physical DemandsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
The DepartmentThe Department, housed in the College of Agriculture, offers a B.S. degree in four majors, an M.S. degree in Plant Pathology or Plant Sciences, and a Ph.D. degree in Plant Sciences. The Department has a state-of-the-art building that is well-equipped with access to the Plant Growth Center greenhouse facility, a 10-acre horticulture farm that includes a student-run market garden, a pollinator garden, and a 250-acre agronomic research farm. In addition, seven off-campus research centers across the state offer further collaborative research opportunities.
The CollegePosting Detail InformationNumber of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date August 2026
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:Screening of applications will begin on October 1, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special InstructionsTo be considered in the pool, apply online by uploading the following:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter
- Research Statement (max 1 page)
- Teaching Statement (max 1 page)
- Cover Letter
- Research Statement
- Teaching Statement