MANNRS
Assistant Professor – Plant Health and Plant-Microbe Interactions
MANNRS, Amherst, Massachusetts, us, 01002
Position Overview
UMass Amherst’s Stockbridge School of Agriculture seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plant Health & Plant-Microbe Interactions to lead innovative research and teaching on sustainable plant disease management. Integration of molecular, ecological, and applied approaches to protect horticultural and specialty crops in New England. Review begins November 15, 2025. Responsibilities
The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program focused on sustainable solutions for managing plant diseases amid a changing climate. Candidates with expertise in plant pathology, host resistance, biocontrol, plant–microbe ecology, or precision disease management are encouraged to apply, particularly those integrating molecular, genomic, computational, or AI-based tools into their research. The position emphasizes horticultural and specialty crops important to Massachusetts and New England, with opportunities for collaboration across UMass departments, Extension programs, and regional stakeholders. The candidate will also contribute to cross-disciplinary work in plant–microbe–soil systems to enhance regional agricultural resilience. Qualifications
Minimum qualifications: Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Horticulture, or a related field (by start date), demonstrated research productivity and potential for external funding, evidence or potential for effective teaching and mentorship, strong communication and collaborative skills. Preferred: Postdoctoral experience or equivalent research background. Preferred Level of Education
Ph.D. Benefits Offered
Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Geunhwa Jung (jung@umass.edu). How to Apply
Along with the application, please submit: 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position, 2) curriculum vitae (CV) detailing education, professional experience, publications, grants, and awards, 3) a statement of teaching philosophy and goals, and 4) statement of research interests and goals. Review of applicants will begin November 15, 2025, and will continue until the ideal candidate is identified. Full position details and application link available below. Application deadline: November 15, 2025 About University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School of Agriculture
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. About the Stockbridge School of Agriculture
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture (SSA) plays a vital role in advancing the College’s and University’s strategic goals in agriculture, horticulture and soils through three focus areas: soil and environmental health; sustainable farming and landscapes; and plant health. SSA functions as a full University department. We offer excellent 4-year undergraduate degree programs (on-campus and online), solid graduate education and research, and significant knowledge transfer and translation of our applied research through collaborations with UMass Extension and CAFE. Uniquely, SSA also offers highly applied 2-year AS degrees. SSA contributes to UMass’s ranking as a top Agricultural University nationally and globally (US News), and is committed to fostering this globally recognized research success. We also continue to ensure excellent education in our areas of expertise for all students, particularly through highly ranked programs (DataUSA 2022) in Sustainable Food & Farming (no.1) and Turf (no. 6), and a large online program generating over $2 million total revenue. Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
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UMass Amherst’s Stockbridge School of Agriculture seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plant Health & Plant-Microbe Interactions to lead innovative research and teaching on sustainable plant disease management. Integration of molecular, ecological, and applied approaches to protect horticultural and specialty crops in New England. Review begins November 15, 2025. Responsibilities
The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program focused on sustainable solutions for managing plant diseases amid a changing climate. Candidates with expertise in plant pathology, host resistance, biocontrol, plant–microbe ecology, or precision disease management are encouraged to apply, particularly those integrating molecular, genomic, computational, or AI-based tools into their research. The position emphasizes horticultural and specialty crops important to Massachusetts and New England, with opportunities for collaboration across UMass departments, Extension programs, and regional stakeholders. The candidate will also contribute to cross-disciplinary work in plant–microbe–soil systems to enhance regional agricultural resilience. Qualifications
Minimum qualifications: Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Horticulture, or a related field (by start date), demonstrated research productivity and potential for external funding, evidence or potential for effective teaching and mentorship, strong communication and collaborative skills. Preferred: Postdoctoral experience or equivalent research background. Preferred Level of Education
Ph.D. Benefits Offered
Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Geunhwa Jung (jung@umass.edu). How to Apply
Along with the application, please submit: 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position, 2) curriculum vitae (CV) detailing education, professional experience, publications, grants, and awards, 3) a statement of teaching philosophy and goals, and 4) statement of research interests and goals. Review of applicants will begin November 15, 2025, and will continue until the ideal candidate is identified. Full position details and application link available below. Application deadline: November 15, 2025 About University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School of Agriculture
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. About the Stockbridge School of Agriculture
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture (SSA) plays a vital role in advancing the College’s and University’s strategic goals in agriculture, horticulture and soils through three focus areas: soil and environmental health; sustainable farming and landscapes; and plant health. SSA functions as a full University department. We offer excellent 4-year undergraduate degree programs (on-campus and online), solid graduate education and research, and significant knowledge transfer and translation of our applied research through collaborations with UMass Extension and CAFE. Uniquely, SSA also offers highly applied 2-year AS degrees. SSA contributes to UMass’s ranking as a top Agricultural University nationally and globally (US News), and is committed to fostering this globally recognized research success. We also continue to ensure excellent education in our areas of expertise for all students, particularly through highly ranked programs (DataUSA 2022) in Sustainable Food & Farming (no.1) and Turf (no. 6), and a large online program generating over $2 million total revenue. Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr