EXTENSION ASSOCIATE
Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Cornell University
Start Date: Summer/Fall 2015
Location: Hudson Valley Laboratory, Highland, NY.
Cornell University’s Hudson Valley Lab (HVL) is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley fruit-growing region, 90 miles north of New York City. It has 20 acres of experimental orchards and associated equipment designed for and dedicated to applied research on tree fruit crops, in addition to laboratory facilities necessary for microbiological studies. The research/extension team at the facility has traditionally included a pomologist, an entomologist, a plant pathologist, and an extension educator dedicated to fruit crops. Scientists at the HVL work closely with each other, their faculty colleagues, and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, and with local fruit and vegetable growers and packers/shippers, who actively support, promote, and provide feedback on associated research and extension programs.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for leading Cornell’s fruit pathology program in the Hudson Valley region, with an emphasis on tree fruits but to include additional crops (e.g., berries, grapes) as appropriate to their commercial significance and opportunities that might arise. S/he will be expected to develop an extension program that effectively conveys relevant information on disease management to the fruit industry in eastern New York and beyond, and an applied research program that generates new information for inclusion in this programming. Although the successful candidate will function independently, programmatic foci will be developed and executed in coordination with Cornell faculty having statewide responsibilities for fruit pathology extension. It is expected that extension programming will utilize not only traditional techniques and approaches but will also include innovative new approaches using modern communications technologies. Areas of research focus can encompass fungal, bacterial, viral, and abiotic causes of fruit crop diseases and the tools used to control them. Collaborative work with colleagues at Cornell and other universities is expected, as is publication of new findings in appropriate industry and professional outlets. The incumbent in this position will be required to obtain external grant funding to support the extension and research programs. Available sources include a significant apple industry check-off fund in addition to traditional federal/state funding programs and agrichemical industry support.
Qualifications: Minimum: M. S. in Plant Pathology or closely related discipline, with experience in applied research. Prior experience with fruit crop diseases and/or professional interactions with agricultural producers is desirable but not required. Excellent communication skills and an ability to work well with a diverse group of academic colleagues and non-academic stakeholders are essential. The successful candidate will obtain a NYS commercial pesticide applicator license in categories 1A & 10. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with background and experience. An attractive fringe benefits package is available.
Review of applications will begin July 15, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
Submit the following items online at this website:
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Three Reference Letters (to be submitted by the reference writers at this site )
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: Pat Mahoney
http://pppmb.cals.cornell.edu/
315-787-2234
630 West North Street
Geneva, N.Y. 14456
