Assistant Professor Potato and Sugarbeet Pathology

Job

ID2959938

Business UnitNorth Dakota State University

Location

Fargo

Posted09/23/2026

Full/Part TimePart-Time

DepartmentAES Plant Path, Micro &Biotech

Close DateOpen Until Filled

Position Information

The Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology (PPMB) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position.

The successful applicant will:

1) join over two-dozen faculty in a recently merged department with established histories of high-quality and high-impact research and Extension with excellent undergraduate and graduate programs, 2) join a team of collaborative pathologists and other scientists working to help the industry produce and protect potatoes and sugarbeets, and 3) collaborate with a broader team of public- and private-sector professionals and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be eligible for nomination to the John T. Nordgaard Endowed Faculty Professorship, which provides support for salary, potato pathology research, graduate student stipends, and teaching.

Responsibilities:

The appointment is 80% research (North Dakota Agriculture Experiment Station), 10% teaching (College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources) and 10% service. The successful candidate will develop and lead a regionally-, nationally- and internationally-recognized research program that addresses established and emerging diseases that threaten the production, storage and profitability of potatoes and sugarbeets. The position is open to all areas of plant disease research, with opportunities to collaborate and conduct complementary research with faculty, USDA researchers and other university researchers working on potato and sugarbeet pathology. The successful applicant will advise graduate students, teach in areas that utilize their expertise and fit the needs of the department, engage in outreach to stakeholders, and contribute service to PPMB, NDSU and professional societies.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications are: an earned Ph.D. in plant pathology or a closely related field with extensive background in plant pathology at the time of hire; demonstrated ability to conduct and publish research in high-quality and relevant journals; demonstrated experience in applied research; strong communication skills (interpersonal, written, verbal, etc.); capacity to work effectively, cooperatively, and collegially with a diverse population of stakeholders, colleagues, students, and scientists from other disciplines.

Preferred qualifications are:

professional experience beyond a Ph.D. (such as post-doc or industry); demonstrated experience obtaining extramural funding and publishing refereed journal articles from such funding; demonstrated experience using modern and traditional techniques for potato/sugarbeet disease research; evidence of effective teaching and/or pedagogical training; experience mentoring and/or managing students and/or staff.

Application:

Review of applications will begin October 20, 2026.

Applicants must apply online:

ndsu.edu/employment/joblist

A complete application will include:

An application letter that describes your research and teaching interests relative to the position and how the minimum and preferred qualifications are met (max. 2 pages).

Curriculum vitae (max. 10 pages).

Name and contact information for three professional references.

Direct Questions to: Dr. Samuel Markell, Search Committee Chair at samuel.markellndsu.edu Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words—it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. "My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and "I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage

Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA

Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date

Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position

(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program for confidential support

Supportive work-life balance Education Benefits That Grow With You Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)

50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

Additional Optional Benefits

Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care

Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)

Supplemental Retirement Plans

Explore Full Benefit Details:

Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country. NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises during nonworking hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential business-related interests of the employer, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 100, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaandsu.edu.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information:

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hrndsu.edu.